On the basis of a report submitted by an internal probe formed to look into 'irregularities' reported in the sale of petroleum products from the petrol pump, Nepal Police issued a statement saying that the irregularity was not due to any mala fide intentions.
Following allegations of the irregularity at the petrol pump operated from the Police Welfare Fund, Nepal Police had formed a five-member committee headed by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sarbendra Khanal on 18, March.
The previous day, a market monitoring team acting with the support of the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers found irregularities in the supply of petroleum products at the facility. The team sealed the pump after they found huge defects in three of the five dispensing nozzles.
"The seals that were placed by the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Meteorology (NBSM) were still intact so it was concluded that the irregularities were due to technical faults," said DIG Kamal Singh Bam, Nepal Police spokesperson.
The probe panel was assigned to investigate the matter within a week but it took more than 18 days as it carried out numerous queries with petrol pump staff and other stakeholders, according to the police.
During the lastest monitoring, the pump was found supplying 110 ml less fuel for every 10 liters pumped out.
The probe panel has suggested to the authorities to replace the apparatus with a substitute with verified dispensing nozzles, calibrate the pump at least once a year to ensure accuracy in pumping, and opt for digital machines.
Police also said that two of the three sealed machines are in operation after minor maintenance and replacement of an un-reconditioned dispensing nozzle was ongoing.
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