The special operations group (SOG) of Rajasthan Police has begun its investigation into the Barmer crude oil theft case.
Considering seriousness of the case, the state government on Thursday handed over the probe to the SOG.
Dinesh MN, inspector general (IG), SOG, said: “Local police has done good work so far and have arrested several people. Further investigation will be carried on by us.”
A team comprising of one additional SP and two inspectors reached Barmer on Friday and have began the investigation, he said.
A theft of nearly 15,000-20,000 litres of crude oil worth ₹3 lakh was taking place from the Cairn India’s oilfield in Barmer everyday for the past six years, police had said.
Police have so far arrested 35 people, along with four employees of a Cairn’s subsidiary company.
Umesh Mishra, additional director general of SOG, said the charter of the specialised wing of police says economic crimes of magnitude were to be investigated by the SOG.
“The crude oil theft case falls under that category so the probe was handed over to us. In addition, crude oil is a strategic asset for the country and the fact that the incident happened in a border area only add to the gravity of the case,” said Mishra.
{{/usCountry}}“The crude oil theft case falls under that category so the probe was handed over to us. In addition, crude oil is a strategic asset for the country and the fact that the incident happened in a border area only add to the gravity of the case,” said Mishra.
{{/usCountry}}Local police have only arrested lower-level staff so far. Leaders of both the Congress and BJP have raised questions about involvement of Cairn officials as well as rival political leadership.