A mobile court has fined a businessman for illegally storing around 18,000 litres of diesel inside a residential building in Sherpur.
The drive took place late Thursday night at M/s Shimla Traders in the Goalpatti area, following a tip-off.
Executive Magistrate Md Mahmudul Hasan led the operation, officials said.
The court fined the owner, Tapas Nandi, Tk10,000 over allegations of diesel hoarding. It also ordered the removal of the stored diesel and kerosene to a safer location by Friday evening.
In addition, the court imposed a permanent ban on selling fuel oil from residential premises.
Local sources said the businessman had long been selling diesel and kerosene to farmers and small traders.
Although he held a licence for retail sales, he had installed a large storage tank with a capacity of about 27,000 litres beneath a residential building.
Around 18,000 litres of diesel were stored there.
Authorities said the business did not have the required clearances from relevant government agencies, including the Department of Environment.
Magistrate Mahmudul Hasan said authorities will take further action after reviewing the documents.
Additional Superintendent of Police Nasrin Akhter, Assistant Commissioner Selim Reza, and Officer-in-Charge Sohel Rana of Sadar Police Station were present during the drive.
