A 51-year-old man was arrested by the Varkala police late on Saturday during an alleged attempt made to smuggle 2,200 liters of subsidised kerosene. Varkala SI K. Shiji identified the arrested as Gopalakrishnan of Mannuthy in Thrissur, the driver of the pickup van customised to conceal barrels of kerosene. Ten barrels of kerosene were seized from the van. The kerosenewas intended to be sold through the grey market at Chavakkad. While each liter of kerosene cost Rs.54, the product was being sold to fishermen at a subsidised rate of Rs.27 for use in fishing vessels. The gang used to collect the permits of beneficiaries from the Anchuthengu fishing hamlet with the assurance that the allotted quantities would be distributed without fail. However, large quantities were being siphoned off without the knowledge of the fishermen, Mr. Shiji said. A probe is also on to obtain further information regarding one Joy of Thrissur who is believed to have masterminded the activities. Gopalakrishnan was remanded in judicial custody after being produced before the court on Sunday.
2016, The Hindu