20000205

Gas thief caught red-handed

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Sui Northern's regional task force team, assisted by designated magistrate and police contingent, raided Ali Continental Hotel on Mozang Road and arrested the owner and manager for stealing gas.

The owner of the hotel was allegedly found involved in theft of gas by connecting his appliances through the outlet of a disconnected domestic gas connection. The connection was disconnected for non-payment on June 18, 1998.

At the time of the raid, the hotel management could not produce any documentary proof of authorisation for using the gas connection, according to a Sui Northern spokesman. The owner, Safdar Mian, and manager of the hotel ,Farooq Ahmed, were arrested on the spot and an FIR was lodged against them with Mozang police station.

Sui Northern has recently started a full-fledged and effective campaign to control gas theft with the cooperation of the local administration, police and army.

The authorities of Sui Northern have advised the consumers, especially those involved in gas theft, to avoid any unauthorised and illegal methods in this regard that may lead to deterrent action against them.