2 masterminds of UP petrol pump racket nabbed

A joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra police today arrested two persons who allegedly supplied electronic chips that helped petrol pump owners tamper with fuel dispensing machines.
When the chip is activated, the machine dispenses less fuel than the quantity for which the customer is charged.
The device, costing around Rs 3,000, reduces the fuel output by 5 to 10 per cent. It has a wire linked to a remote control, which is used to manipulate the volume. If a customer takes one litre petrol, he would end up getting 940 ml or less.
After the STF came to know about a gang which supplied the microchips, raids were conducted at 17 places and 26 people were arrested in UP last month. The force later started a hunt for the masterminds.

Avinash Manhohar Naik and Vivek Harishchandra were arrested from Thane in Maharashtra. Microchips, remotes and other items were seized, an officials of the UPSTF said.
The duo will be brought to Lucknow on transit remand for further questioning, the UPSTF said.
The STF had on April 27 raided seven petrol pumps in Lucknow which were using the electronic chips. The device helped them earn a profit of Rs 14 lakh per month on an average.
Petrol pump owners in UP had protested police action after the fuel shortchange racket was busted.