Mustard oil woth Rs 23 lakhs disappeares mid-journey from Kolkata to Varanasi

In the bustling wholesale markets of Kolkata's Posta and Burrabazar, where the aroma of spices and oils fills the air, a shocking theft has left traders reeling. A consignment of pure mustard oil, valued at nearly Rs 23 lakh, vanished en route from the city to Varanasi, along with the truck carrying it. This wasn't just any cargo; it was premium "double century" grade oil, prized for its authentic pungency and quality, which had surged in price amid rising cooking oil costs over recent months. The incident, unfolding on a routine highway journey, has exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain and caught even the police off guard, as such high-value edible oil heists are rare compared to fuel thefts.

The victim, a seasoned trader from Posta market, had trusted the truck owner and driver to deliver the load on time to buyers in Varanasi. Anticipating a price hike, he had stocked up on this sought-after mustard oil, expecting solid profits. But when the truck failed to arrive, panic set in. Unable to fulfill the order, the trader faced not only financial loss but also reputational damage in a competitive market. Desperate, he filed a complaint at North Port police station, detailing how the entire vehicle and its precious cargo had disappeared midway, turning what should have been a straightforward business trip into a nightmare.

Fuel thefts from trucks or ships are commonplace, but a robbery involving cooking oil on this scale was unprecedented for Kolkata police. Investigators quickly zeroed in on the truck owner, Amjad Khan, and driver Raju, who had gone incommunicado right after the incident. Mobile tracking revealed their movements, leading to the arrests of the duo along with a key accomplice, businessman Rajdeep Sadhukhan. It turned out the plot was hatched from within: Khan and Raju, privy to the shipment's details, tipped off Sandukha about the high-quality oil heading to Varanasi, seeing an opportunity to sell it at a premium in the open market for hefty gains.

The scheme unfolded with chilling precision. Instead of proceeding directly to Varanasi, the truck was diverted to Nadia, where the oil was offloaded. Sandukha, an Uttar Pradesh-based trader, coordinated the sale to local buyers, aiming to pocket the windfall from the oil's superior quality and rising demand. The arrests brought the trio to court, with police securing custody until September 20 to probe deeper.

Questions linger about possible wider involvement, as the group had meticulously planned the diversion and disposal of the stolen goods.This theft highlights the risks in India's vast edible oil trade, where mustard oil remains a staple in eastern households for its health benefits and distinct flavor. With prices doubling recently due to supply fluctuations and inflation, traders are stockpiling, making such consignments prime targets. The incident has prompted calls for better tracking and security in logistics, as what started as a routine delivery turned into a multimillion-rupee betrayal. As investigations continue, the Kolkata trading community is on edge, reevaluating partnerships and routes. The recovery of the oil remains uncertain, but the case underscores how greed can derail even the most trusted supply chains. For now, the trader counts his losses, hoping justice will restore some faith in the system that fuels his livelihood.