Heard Mr. M. Choudhury, learned senior counsel for the petitioners, Mr. S.C Keyal, learned ASGI appearing for the respondent Central Bureau of Investigation as well as Mr. M. Phukan, learned counsel appearing for the respondent Bureau of Economic Offences (BIEO), Assam.

2. Both the petitioners herein were employees of the respondent Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). At the relevant time when the alleged incident leading to this writ petition took place, the petitioner No.1 was entrusted with the duty of Loading Operator, whereas the petitioner No.2 was entrusted with the duty of Weigh Bridge Operator under the respondent IOCL. The duties entrusted to both the petitioners were to ensure that the correct volume of petroleum products are loaded on the tanker lorries at the disposal points of the IOCL.

3. According to the BIEO, Assam, certain information were received that excess petroleum products are being loaded to the tanker lorries without being duly authorized, resulting in pilferage of petroleum products from the IOCL disposal points located at Guwahati Refinery in Guwahati. Consequent thereof, a team of officials from the BIEO, Assam conducted an enquiry and on 29.