Police seized 800 litres of diesel and detained two individuals during a smuggling attempt in Sherpur Sadar around 10:30pm on Tuesday.
Sherpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Sohel Rana confirmed the matter. The detainees have been identified as Ziaur Rahman, 48, and Robin Mia, 23. They were caught from the front of M/S Babar Filling Station in the Kanashakhola area.
According to the police, a group has been creating an artificial crisis by hoarding diesel amidst the recent fuel shortage to later sell it at higher prices in the open market. Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid and intercepted the 800 litres of diesel while it was being smuggled in four drums on a battery-run van.
When contacted regarding the incident, Faruk Hossain, the owner of M/S Babar Filling Station, refused to provide any comment.
OC Sohel said an investigation is ongoing and legal action will be taken.
