IOCL asks CBI to probe gangster's link with petrol pumps

BHUBANESWAR: Already feeling the heat of Crime Branch probe, gangster Syed Usman Ali alias Tito on Wednesday received another jolt as the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) here recommended the central bureau of investigation (CBI) to probe alleged irregularities in allotment of two retail outlets to his family.
While one petrol pump is located in Kendrapada and the other one is at Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district. STF of Crime Branch had sealed the two fuel stations on July 6.STF said the fuel stations were registered in name of Tito’s wife Benazir Bibi.
Sources said the ministry of petroleum and natural gas had started a probe when questions were raised from different quarters over allotment of the petrol pumps to a history-sheeter. “The ministry sought a report from IOCL. During inquiry, IOCL found violation of guidelines in grant of the licence. In view of several irregularities and seriousness of the issue, the ministry advised the IOCL to refer the case to CBI for thorough investigation and action,” a press statement issued by the IOCL said.
IOCL authorities said the petrol pumps were allotted to Tito’s family in 2015. “We will provide all details to the CBI regarding those IOCL functionaries, who were at helm of affairs during grant of the retail outlets to Tito,” an IOCL officer said. Last week, the STF had quizzed Benazir after coming to know that Tito invested huge money and used his influence in getting the two petrol stations in his wife’s name.
The STF on Wednesday arrested four persons for their alleged nexus with Tito. The accused Sheikh Abdullah, Jahangir Khan, Golden Pappu and Imtiaz Khan, who belonged to Cuttack area, allegedly committed a number of offences at the behest of Tito. STF’s deputy inspector general Himanshu Lal said the four associates of Tito are history-sheeters. “They were earlier arrested several times in Cuttack. They were involved in firing, tender fixing and extortion cases,” Lal said. The probe agency had detained the four persons along with some others for interrogation on Tuesday.
STF said a number of members of Tito’s gang have gone into hiding ever since he was arrested following an encounter in Jajpur district on June 30. Tito, 56, who was arrested several times by police in the past, is a dreaded criminal having more than 50 cases of murder, attempt to murder and extortion against him. Sources said the police in Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack districts are planning to take Tito on remand for interrogation in connection with some old cases against him.