Officers added that strict action will continue against those involved in hoarding and illegal distribution with a focus on identifying supply chains and ensuring that subsidised LPG reaches legitimate consumers.As complaints of delayed deliveries and inflated prices of LPG cylinders continue to surface from across the Capital amid raging war in West Asia, the Delhi Police’s latest data points to an alleged black market thriving on supply gaps, The Indian Express has learnt.Between March 1 and March 26, as per the official data, 76 raids were carried out across the Capital, with 22 FIRs registered and 1,710 cylinders seized in a sweeping crackdown on alleged hoarding and illegal diversion. While the South district saw the highest recovery of cylinders, the East district saw the highest number of raids. In a majority of these raids, officers found that the key suspect was either the gas agency dealer or the delivery men.The maximum recovery was made by the Crime Branch unit, which alone seized 1,145 cylinders in three cases, indicating the scale at which the alleged organised rackets are operating, the data revealed. “In three separate raids, the Crime Branch seized over 1,000 LPG cylinders last week, exposing illegal hoarding and refilling operations. We have been receiving inputs, including videos, from the public regarding such activities. All such information is being acted upon on priority, and prompt action is taken using available manpower and technical tools,” said Devesh Srivastava, Special CP (Crime) and Media and Perception ManagementAmong the districts, the South district reported the highest recovery in a single case of 223 cylinders. This was followed by the South West district where 119 cylinders were seized as six FIRs were filed during seven raids.DCP South Anant Mittal said, “We had seized the cylinders from the Dera Mandi area where two persons had illegally collected them from various sources and stored them there. Since cylinders are at the risk of exploding, we had called all stakeholders as the godown — where they were storing them — was in a residential area.”The South West district recorded the highest number of FIRs (6), emerging as a key hotspot for alleged illegal activities in this regard.At 30, the highest number of raids were carried out in the East district even as only two FIRs were subsequently filed and five cylinders were seized, suggesting widespread enforcement but limited recovery.Story continues below this adMeanwhile, Shahdara district saw 18 raids with one FIR registered and seizure of nine cylinders. On the other hand, the West district recorded four FIRs with a recovery of 62 cylinders in five raids.Dwarka and South East districts also reported significant recoveries of 65 and 62 cylinders, respectively.In Rohini, 17 cylinders were seized in one case, while the North West district reported a recovery of only three cylinders. Several districts — Central, New Delhi, North East, Outer North, and Outer — reported no seizures or FIRs during the period.Officers across the city are holding regular meetings with agency owners and petrol pump owners in order to chalk out a plan as per the scenario. They said the drive was intensified following inputs about illegal diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use and black marketing due to supply constraints.Story continues below this ad“The involvement of organised networks, particularly in cases handled by the Crime Branch, points to a larger nexus that is being systematically dismantled,” a senior officer said.Officers added that strict action will continue against those involved in hoarding and illegal distribution with a focus on identifying supply chains and ensuring that subsidised LPG reaches legitimate consumers. Further investigation in several cases is ongoing.Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital. Professional Background Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance. Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh). Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India. Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life. Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025) Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability: 1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort: Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025). The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025). Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025). 2. Crime & Police Accountability "Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025). "Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025). Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025). 3. Governance & Public Policy "13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025). Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025). Signature Style Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:LPG