The bottler´s foul play came to light when Minister for Commerce and Supplies Lekhraj Bhatta conducted a surprise inspection at the company´s bottling plant on Tuesday. [break]
The company was also found selling gas from factory itself by creating fake customers register, without supplying gas to the dealers - its official retail outlets.
“We had received complaints that the company was not supplying LPG for the past 15 days. But when we enquired Chief District Officer of Kavre, he informed us that the company was supplying gas everyday under police escort. Our inspection has revealed a completely different scene today,” Bhatta told Republica.
During inspection, it was found that the company was selling around 600 cylinders a day in the name of different gods and goddesses. The company was found selling LPG to customers by taking Rs 70 per cylinder (14.02 kg) more than the actual price.
“We have requested home secretary to file a case against the company as it has been found creating artificial shortage of cooking fuel and promoting black marketeering,” said Bhatta. The minister also instructed Commerce Secretary Lalmani Joshi and Suresh Kumar Agrawal, acting managing director of Nepal Oil Corporation, to stop issuing Product Delivery Order (PDO) to the bottler.
Dek Raj Bhattarai, factory manager of Gaurishankar Gas, said the company has been supplying LPG to Prime Minister and Minister for Local Administration from the factory itself. “Such being the backdrop, it would be unfair to take action against us,” Bhattarai said.
Assistant CDO of Kavre Rudranath Basyal had conducted sudden inspection at Gaurishankar Gas on Tuesday, following complaints by consumers at ´Hello Sarkar´. During inspection, it was found that the company was distributing LPT through other channels, bypassing its dealers.
According to officials, the company will be charged under Social Crime and Punishment Act 1975.
Meanwhile, Area Police Office, Sanga, has taken Dek Raj Bhattarai, factory manager of Gaurishankar Gas, into custody for further investigation.
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