4,292 litres of condensate stolen through drilled pipeline in Habiganj's Madhabpur; former UP member accused

An organised gang has stolen 4,292 litres of oil by drilling into the national condensate pipeline in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj district. The Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) has alleged that several people, including former union parishad member Islam Uddin of Noapara village, are involved in the theft.

Sources said GTCL security staff noticed the matter early on Wednesday (4 November) at a place called Doctor Bari in Noapara union of Madhabpur. A subsequent search recovered two large water tanks used for storing oil and various pieces of equipment from the pond at the home of the accused, Islam Uddin. Two large pits dug at the house for storing oil were also found.

Dulal Mia, supervisor of GTCL's security staff, said Islam Uddin had been moving around the spot the previous night and had obstructed the security staff from going there.

Islam Uddin was contacted on his mobile phone for comment, but no statement was obtained from him.

Md Monirul Islam, deputy general manager (security) of GTCL's Ashuganj region, said an organised gang including Islam Uddin is involved in the incident, and preparations are under way to file a case at Madhabpur police station.

Md Zayed Hossain, deputy manager of the same region, said 4,292 litres of condensate oil were stolen over the past two days.

GTCL sub-assistant engineer Md Shamim Hasan said the oil was stolen through the drilled pipeline using special equipment.

Madhabpur police station officer-in-charge Sohel Rana said police personnel had been sent to the spot, and legal action would be taken once GTCL files a complaint.