With more than 16 hours left for the CM’s actual visit, a replacement fleet was arranged from Indore within a few hours.

According to an official statement issued by the Ratlam supplies officer, “Heavy rains throughout the day caused water to seep into the diesel tank of the petrol pump in Dosigaon area of Ratlam. The vehicles forming the carcade also broke down due to the presence of water in the diesel. On directions of the additional district magistrate (ADM) a thorough probe was conducted by a team of officials. During the probe, the density and stock at the pump was examined, followed by the confiscation of 5995 litres petrol and 10,657 litres diesel."

"The BPCL sales officer also reached the concerned petrol pump and joined the probe. Three samples have been sent for lab testing at BPCL’s lab in Manglia (Indore). The pump has been duly sealed and a case registered against the pump’s owner and its manager under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act 1955,” the source added.

With the quirky incident taking place hours before the CM’s visit, while the VIP visit remained unaffected, it rendered the opposition Congress ammo to target the government.

Sharing a picture of the incident, state Congress spokesperson and ex-MLA Shailendra Patel posted on X (formerly twitter), “Adulterated diesel in the CM’s convoy! 19 vehicles stalled, this is the government they are running. When the CM is himself being cheated, imagine the condition of security, facilities and system for the common man. This isn’t an ordinary incident, this exposes the rot in the system.”

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