Acting on the directives of Director-General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, vigilance and enforcement authorities on Friday (March 20) carried out a major crackdown on illegal LPG activities in the Tirupati region, uncovering large-scale violations and misuse of domestic gas cylinders.Under the supervision of Regional Vigilance and Enforcement Officer Karimulla Sharif, officials, in coordination with Civil Supplies authorities, searched a place in Srikalahasti where LPG cylinders were being illegally refilled.During the operation, as many as 108 cylinders were seized and a criminal case was registered against those involved in the unlawful activity.In a parallel enforcement drive in Tirupati, teams also inspected 10 hotels to check the misuse of subsidised domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes. Two hotel owners were found violating norms by using domestic cylinders in their establishments. Cases were registered against them under section 6(A) of the Essential Commodities Act, and two cylinders were seized.Officials said such illegal practices not only lead to revenue losses for the government but also pose serious safety risks. Warning of stringent action, Karimulla Sharif said that continuous inspections would be carried out to curb the black-marketing of LPG cylinders and their diversion for commercial use.He further emphasised that those found indulging in illegal refilling or unauthorised sale of domestic LPG cylinders would face strict legal consequences as part of an intensified enforcement drive in the region.Published - March 20, 2026 08:31 pm IST