E-Paper
'The money was good if we took care of everyone'
Babu Dhotre (name changed to protect identity) former member of oil adulteration mafia speaks to Hindustan Times.
I was involved in the oil adulteration racket for nearly three years before I decided to get out of it.
I got into the business soon after the oil depots were set up here about 15 years ago. It was a lucrative business and I saw it as a way make quick money.
The business had its rewards and I soon started flourishing. It carried few risks and people were open to making money. We would speak to drivers at roadside eateries and most of them would agree to help us because they could earn good money.
They agreed to stop tankers at places we had identified and allow us to steal the fuel.
In those days, tankers were sealed. We would break open the seal and take out small quantities because that would not be noticed. If the price of kerosene in the open market was Rs20, then we would pay them a lesser amount, say Rs10 or 15. Similarly, we would pay Rs25 to 30 for petrol if the costs was Rs35 in the market. We would mix it at pre-decided locations and then sell it to anyone who was willing to buy the fuel for a lesser price.
The money was good provided we took care of the people in the administration and police. Every department got at least Rs1.5 lakh a month. The payment depended on how much an operator made each month.
Oil adulteration is almost like a cottage industry here. What can people do? There are no industries and not everyone has farmland big enough to cultivate and expect good income.
I decided to quit when I realised that along with money, came troubles — the raids, losses and constant pressure from the police and other officials.
I quit a few years back and became a farmer. It is not as lucrative but I have peace of mind.
(As told to Shailendra Mohan )
