A large scale crude oil theft worth over Rs 250 million (USD 883,000) was seized in Rawalpindi’s Dhamial area after suspects were found to have tampered with an oil supply pipeline. Police reported that the culprits dug a tunnel from a house to access the underground pipeline and had constructed two large storage tanks inside the property to store stolen oil before transferring it into tankers. The scheme was exposed when a dumper truck and motorcycle caught fire inside the premises, prompting authorities to investigate.
During the operation, police recovered crude oil, a high-pressure underground pipe, equipment, two national identity cards, a pistol, and other evidence. The case, filed by the company’s senior executive admin, noted that the supply line runs from Pind Fateh to Morgah, an area already under surveillance for pipeline tampering. Initial findings revealed that an estimated 12,821 barrels of crude oil had been stolen. The suspects include the house owner, his son, and 3 other named suspects, and several unidentified accomplices. Police have launched raids to apprehend those involved and expressed confidence that arrests will follow soon.
