Key Takeaways:

• Seven suspects arrested Thursday evening at Saudagar Oil Centre, Birgunj
• Accused used iron pipe hook to lift tanker seal and siphon fuel
• Arrested include station owner, cashier, accounts staff and tanker drivers

BIRGUNJ, AUGUST 7 Police have arrested seven people, including the operator of a petrol station, for allegedly stealing petroleum products from a tanker that had entered Nepal through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Birgunj and illegally selling the fuel. The suspects were arrested on Thursday evening while allegedly extracting fuel from tanker Na 7 Kha 1539 at Saudagar Oil Centre along the bypass road in Birgunj Metropolitan City-14. Police said the tanker had entered Nepal through the ICP before the alleged theft. According to police, the suspects were using a hook made from an iron pipe to lift the tanker's sealed mechanism and extract petroleum products without authorisation. The police raid was carried out at around 5:10 pm.

Those arrested include 55-year-old Sunain Miya, operator of Saudagar Oil Centre; 23-year-old Aslam Hawari, who worked in accounts at the station; and 21-year-old Rafiq Miya, the station's cashier. Also arrested were 20-year-old Sandesh Rana Magar, assistant driver of tanker Na 7 Kha 2804; 46-year-old Kesher Ram Sunar, its driver; 50-year-old Mand Singh Lama, driver of tanker Na 7 Kha 1539; and 27-year-old Umesh Rana Magar, its assistant driver. Police have taken the tanker and other materials allegedly used in the operation into custody. Further investigation is underway into the alleged theft and illegal distribution of petroleum products.