Assam SDPO Arrested in ONGC Crude Oil Theft Case in Golaghat

A sub-divisional police officer in Assam has been arrested in connection with a crude oil theft racket that targeted an ONGC pipeline in Golaghat district, police said.

Dwipen Pator, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Sarupathar, was taken into custody after his name surfaced during the investigation into the alleged network, which is accused of puncturing an ONGC pipeline to siphon off crude oil.

Golaghat Senior Superintendent of Police Swapnil Deka said the arrest was made on the strength of material gathered during the probe. "Based on the facts and evidence available, the police arrested Dwipen Pator," he said.

Investigators allege that Pator encouraged the gang behind the theft and accepted cash from members of the racket.

The case traces back to a First Information Report filed by ONGC on August 3, complaining of crude oil theft after its pipeline was punctured in Sarupathar.

Following directions from the SSP, a police operation led by Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Jan Das resulted in the SDPO's arrest.

With Pator in custody, five people have now been arrested in the case, including a woman.

Police said the investigation has pointed to the suspected involvement of several residents of Sarupathar as well as some ONGC employees in the alleged oil theft network.

Officers suspect the stolen crude was moved to West Bengal, and further operations are planned there to trace others believed to be part of the racket.

The investigation is ongoing, and police said additional arrests are likely as they work to identify everyone linked to the alleged network.