By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 18, 2018: Just hours after the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) ordered for a CBI probe into grant of permission to notorious gangster Syed Usman Ali, alias Tito, for setting up petrol pumps in Kendrapara, on Thursday sparked off a political row.

The notorious gangster was arrested following an encounter with Special Task Force (STF) on June 30 at Chandikhole in Jajpur district. So far more than nine persons have been arrested ever since.

The ruling BJD demanded resignation of union petroleum minister, Dharmendra Pradhan alleging links with Tito’s crime syndicate. BJP, on the other hand, counted saying that the ruling party is visibly scared after a CBI probe has been ordered.

BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb today sought answers on when IOCL authorities came to know about the irregularities in allotment of fuel outlets to Tito and whether the Union Minister was aware of such irregularities or not.

The IOCL has found retail outlets in the name of Sayed Brothers filling station in Kendrapara town and Ad-hoc dealership COCO (Company Owned Company Operated outlet) at Paradip Port Trust in Jagatsighpur district were commissioned in violation of the guidelines.

“Questions are being raised as to why no action was taken when irregularities were found in allotment. Besides, will the central investigating agency probe this one instance or more such cases will be included? Is the probe meant to shield someone?” Deb asked.

However, IOCL chief general manager, Pritish Bharat ruled out any political links on the allotment of petrol pump to Tito. “We accept that there were faults in allotment.” Bharat said adding that there were no political links.