Surat: Jahangirpura police busted a racket involving the theft of industrial chemicals from trucks on a highway near the city on Wednesday, revealing the involvement of an gang that targeted tankers in transit and siphoned off chemical consignments for illegal sale.Police said three accused were arrested during the operation, while three others managed to flee and are currently being traced. The arrested persons are Ladu alias Lokesh Khatik, Suresh Khatik and Shahrukh Makrani. Officers said the other suspects are the drivers of the tankers from which the chemicals were being stolen, indicating insider involvement in facilitating access to the consignments.During the raid, police seized items worth around Rs 1.20 crore. The seized material includes two tankers along with the chemicals in them, a mini truck allegedly used to transport the stolen material, two 200-litre plastic containers and mobile phones. Investigators said the equipment and vehicles point to systematic pilferage and storage aimed at moving large quantities without immediate detection.A case has been registered for negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances and combustible matter, dishonestly receiving stolen property, criminal breach of trust and theft. Police have also booked the accused under the Explosives Act for unauthorised possession, use, sale or transport of explosive substances.Police records show that Ladulal and Suresh have been arrested earlier in similar cases involving the theft of valuables during transportation. Further investigation is underway to identify the full supply chain, possible buyers, and the role of the absconding accused.
