Navi Mumbai Crime: Raigad Police Bust Diesel Smuggling Racket Off Arabian Sea Coast, Seize 5,000 Litres Fuel Worth ₹14.3 Lakh

Navi Mumbai: Raigad Police have busted a diesel smuggling racket operating through cargo ships off the Arabian Sea coast, seizing 5,000 litres of illegal fuel worth Rs 14.3 lakh and arresting one key accused.

The operation was launched based on confidential intelligence and executed by the Mandwa Coastal Police under the direction of Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal.

Acting on a tip-off about illegal diesel transport, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Deepak Bhoi, PSI Sumit Khot, and constables Chetan Mhatre and Rakesh Mhatre conducted a search near Rewas Pakhadi on July 4, at around 11 a.m.

The team located a suspicious fishing trawler named Shri Samarth Krupa (Nisarg Darshan), bearing registration IND MH3 MM5464, anchored near the creek.

Upon boarding the vessel, police discovered a large quantity of diesel-like substance. Sub-Inspector Bhoi immediately alerted the Alibag Tehsildar and called for supply officers, revenue officials, and independent witnesses. Following a detailed inspection, officials confirmed the seizure of 5,000 litres of diesel along with related materials, valued at Rs 14.3 lakh.

"The seized diesel was being smuggled without a license for illegal sale," a statement released by Raigad police said. A case was registered at Mandwa Coastal Police Station under section of BNS and Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and other applicable provisions.

The arrested individual has been identified as Ganesh Kashinath Koli, a resident of Bodani, Taluka Alibag, District Raigad. Police have also identified five more individuals allegedly involved in the operation who are currently absconding.

These include Vinayak Narayan Koli from Bodani, Moreshwar Bama Nakhwa from Rewas-Bodani, Viren, a native of Uttar Pradesh currently residing in Bodani, Mukesh Nishad from Bodani, and Laxman from Mumbai. Another unidentified crew member of the vessel Sagar Pride is also under investigation.

Investigations revealed that the accused were using the FindShip app to track large cargo barges operating offshore, particularly vessels from the "Sagar Series" fleet.

They would initiate communication with the ship crews through untraceable WhatsApp calls and negotiate diesel purchases in cash at rates lower than the market price. In some instances, ship crew members were allegedly enticed with gifts like mobile phones and laptops.

The police suspect the involvement of a larger network engaged in illegal marine fuel trade. Under the supervision of Additional SP Abhijit Shivthare and DSP Gajanan Tonpe (Alibag), the crackdown was executed by the Mandwa Coastal Police team.