Police have seized a covered van containing 27 drums reportedly carrying soybean oil in Lalmohan of Bhola. The driver fled after leaving the vehicle on a road in the municipality area on Tuesday evening.

The incident took place on Khan Saheb Road in the Fire Service area along the Bhola-Char Fasson highway. Acting on information, a team of Lalmohan Police went to the spot and seized the covered van before taking it to the police station.

The vehicle bears the registration number Dhaka Metro-N 19-5646.

Local residents suspect that the oil in the vehicle may have been stolen, arguing that the driver would not have fled if the consignment had been legitimate.

Lalmohan Police Station Investigation Officer Md Firoz Alam said an operation was still underway.

“The driver fled after leaving the oil-loaded covered van behind. There are 27 drums inside the vehicle. We have not yet confirmed whether they are empty or filled,” he said.

He added that the police were yet to determine how much oil was in the drums, where the vehicle had come from and where it was headed.

“More details will be available after the operation is completed. Legal action will be taken based on the investigation,” the police officer said.