A youth was detained in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur for allegedly smuggling 446 liters of petrol. The arrest took place on Wednesday night around 8 p.m. in the Taraganj market area after locals became suspicious of an autorickshaw moving unusually. Upon inspection, two drums covered with polythene were found inside the vehicle, containing the petrol. Authorities also seized the autorickshaw used in the operation.

According to initial information, the petrol was being transported from Parbatipur upazila through Taraganj to Kishoreganj upazila. The detained driver claimed that a businessman named Saju Mia from Kishoreganj had purchased the fuel at Tk 235 per liter for resale in the open market. Taraganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Monabbar Hossain arrived at the scene, confirmed the seizure, and stated that transporting and selling petrol illegally is a punishable and risky act.

The UNO added that legal proceedings are underway against those involved in the smuggling attempt.