Karachi: A major organized gas theft network operating in Karachi has been dismantled after authorities uncovered an illegal operation that used stolen natural gas to generate electricity and supply it to hundreds of residential and commercial consumers.
According to a spokesperson for Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC), the operation was carried out at Gulshan View Apartments, located on Abul Hasan Isphahani Road in Gulzar-e-Hijri, Scheme 33. The raid was conducted by the Counter Gas Theft Operations Team in coordination with the Customer Relations Department’s Domestic Theft Wing, the Distribution Department, and SSGC Police.
During the operation, officials discovered that the suspects were using stolen gas to operate large generators, illegally supplying electricity to approximately 300 residential flats and 100 shops. Authorities warned that large plastic gas storage bags placed on rooftops posed a serious safety hazard and could have exploded like bombs, causing widespread destruction.
The spokesperson stated that the suspects were operating two 33 KVA gas generators and one 41.3 KVA gas generator. These generators were being fueled with stolen gas to provide unauthorized electricity throughout the apartment complex. Consumers were reportedly charged an advance payment of Rs. 20,000 and a monthly fee of Rs. 2,000 for the illegal electricity supply.
During the raid, all illegal gas pipelines used for the theft were dismantled on the spot. Authorities also disconnected the unauthorized gas supply feeding the generators, effectively shutting down the illegal electricity generation network.
An FIR has been registered against the alleged suspects, identified as Rehmatullah, Hayat Masood, and Saleem Masood, while further legal proceedings and investigations are underway.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on information released by the spokesperson of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC). The allegations are subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
