In this image, an oil tanker erupts in flames after a private oil depot caught fire at 3rd Mile, Dimapur on April 6. One person was injured and one oil tanker were burnt down. Photo by Manen Aier
DIMAPUR, APRIL 6 (MExN): An oil tanker burst into flames on Saturday in Dimapur and was charred beyond repair. One person sustained serious burn injuries before fire-fighters brought the flames under control. The fire is suspected to have been caused by electrical malfunction, but investigations are underway.
The tanker reported to be containing kerosene and petrol in separate chambers was parked at an empty plot of land located at Darogapathar, 3rd Mile. The flames also engulfed a large metal container (the kind usually seen on oil tankers) kept at the site.
It later emerged that that the plot of land was used as a front to carry out illicit adulteration of oil prompting police to pin their sights on three suspects, including the one who was injured. Police found a number of oil canisters at the site, besides the large metal container, thereby, arousing suspicion. It is suspected that the bigger container was used as an oil depot.
Following the discovery, police rounded up two persons for questioning, on grounds of suspicion. One was identified only as Piketo while the other was identified as Naran Das. The third suspect, the injured indentified as Romeo Singh is yet to be questioned due to his fragile physical condition.
Police chose not to comment further on the case citing that investigations are still at an early stage. It was however stated, “It could be part of a larger (oil adulteration) racket.”
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