1 held as cops probe role of crude transporters

Cairn Oil and Gas has suspended as many as 31 contracts and sub-contracts as the ongoing investigation in Barmer oil scam engulfs crude oil transport companies.

On Tuesday, the investigating team arrested the executive head of local firm Shree Mohangarh Construction Company, Manoj Gujar, and launched a hunt for two officials of Narendra Road lines Ltd, a Gujarat-based firm. The two were the transport companies involved in moving crude oil to refineries.

Rameshwarlal Meghwal, investigation officer and additional superintendent of police in Barmer, said the police team has inspected the processing terminal to learn the process of crude production and transportation from officials at the Mangala Processing Terminal.“It is very technical matter, due to which we have send queries to the Cairn officials and sought written replies,” Meghwal said. “It will help us understand the crude production and transportation process and about the people and companies involved in this racket.”

HT had first reported on Sunday that police unearthed a criminal syndicate that smuggled more than 50 million litres of crude oil concealed in water tankers from India’s largest onshore oilfield in Barmer.

The theft at the Cairn India oilfield had gone undetected for nearly six years before the arrest of 31 people this week for their involvement in the racket. More than 75 people, many drivers and contractors working at the oilfield, are on the wanted list.

Meanwhile, Cairn said in a statement: “As part of the investigation into the recent crude theft case, Cairn Oil and Gas has suspended some of its vendors. The company had earlier, informed the police about suspicious activities around tanker movements and filed an FIR… and is supporting the police in every possible manner in the investigation.”