Ahmedabad: A serious security lapse has been reported at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport, after a specialised airport fuel bowser was taken out of the restricted area without the knowledge of airport authorities and used to steal diesel in the city.

The incident came to light following timely action by the Zone-4 Local Crime Branch (LCB), which caught two men red-handed while siphoning diesel from the fuel bowser near the Ranmukteshwar intersection in the Hansol area. The arrested accused have been identified as Bharat Patni and Kalpesh Patni. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

According to officials, diesel used for ground-handling equipment at the airport is supplied exclusively through designated fuel bowsers under strict protocols laid down by the Airport Authority of India. Movement of such vehicles outside airport premises is permitted only under specific conditions and requires a mandatory security escort.

Based on a tip-off, PSI Sandeep Patel of the Zone-4 LCB, along with his team, rushed to the spot and intercepted the bowser while diesel theft was in progress. During preliminary questioning, it was revealed that Bharat Patni had allegedly driven the fuel bowser out of the airport premises, raising serious questions over internal security and monitoring mechanisms.

Airport police have taken over the probe to determine how the fuel bowser exited the high-security airport zone without detection and whether any insiders were involved. Notably, the Zone-4 LCB had busted a similar diesel theft gang operating in the area a few days ago, indicating a possible pattern behind such crimes. DeshGujarat