Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Illegal Tap Found on BPCL Pipeline in Mumbai; Case Registered
Workers checking an oil pipeline in Mumbai found something unusual.
Someone had drilled a hole into the pipeline.
A small iron pipe was attached to that hole and led underground toward a godown.
Police suspect the setup was meant to take lubricant oil illegally.
The workers told Byculla Police about what they found.
The police registered a case against a person whose identity is not known.
It has not yet been confirmed whether any oil was stolen.
Investigators are now trying to find out who installed the pipe and why.
Byculla Police registered a case against an unidentified person over suspected lubricant-oil theft.
Workers found a hole drilled into Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s 12-inch pipeline at Dockyard Road.
A half-inch iron pipe had been connected to the pipeline and directed toward a nearby godown.
The pipeline runs from BPCL’s Mumbai Refinery in Mahulgaon, Chembur, to Wadi Bunder.
Police are investigating the purpose of the connection and whether any oil was actually siphoned.
- Who
- Byculla Police are investigating an unidentified person after a complaint by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited senior manager Gaurav Kumar Gaikwad.
- What
- An illegal connection was found on BPCL’s main lubricant-oil pipeline, leading to a suspected attempted oil theft.
- When
- The connection was discovered on October 1, 2026, at about 1:30 p.m.; the case was reported on October 2, 2026.
- Where
- Near Channel 9.4 behind Macro Footwear on Copper Smith Street, Dockyard Road, Mumbai.
- Why
- Police suspect the connection was installed to siphon lubricant oil, although it is not yet known whether any oil was taken.
- Complainant
- Gaurav Kumar Gaikwad, a 33-year-old BPCL senior manager
- Pipeline
- A 12-inch lubricant-oil pipeline operated by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
- Pipeline route
- From Mumbai Refinery at Mahulgaon, Chembur, to Wadi Bunder
- Discovery date
- October 1, 2026
- Illegal connection
- A half-inch iron pipe connected through a drilled hole and running toward a nearby godown
- Police station
- Byculla Police Station
- Investigation status
- Police are determining the purpose of the connection and whether lubricant oil was siphoned