A case of cooking gas cylinder theft has come to light in Kandivali. Unknown thieves targeted a gas delivery tempo in the Charkop area of Kandivali West and decamped with 27 LPG cylinders, including five filled and 22 empty ones.
The incident has not only impacted the livelihood of the delivery worker but has also raised fears of disruption in local gas supply. Charkop Police have registered a case against unidentified accused and initiated a search operation.
According to police officials, the theft occurred between the night of March 25 and 26. The complainant, Nandkumar Ramraj Soni (35), a resident of Jay Janata Nagar in Malad West, has been working as a cylinder delivery personnel with Shreeji Gas Service in Charkop for the past seven years. He delivers LPG cylinders to customers as per bookings using his tempo, which serves as his primary source of income.
On March 25, Soni completed his routine deliveries and parked his tempo at Kaka Keni Chowk in Charkop around 11 pm before returning home. The vehicle was loaded with cylinders meant for next day deliveries. However, when he returned around 8 am on March 26, he found the glass of the tempo door shattered and the rear lock broken.
Upon inspection, all 27 cylinders had been stolen. The total value of the stolen cylinders is estimated at around ₹15,500. After confirming with his colleagues that none had taken the cylinders, Soni approached the police and lodged a complaint.
A police officer stated that multiple teams have been formed to trace the accused. CCTV footage from the vicinity has captured several suspects along with vehicles, and efforts are underway to identify them.
Local residents and sources from the gas agency have reported delays in cylinder supply over the past few weeks. The theft of such a large number of cylinders is likely to further strain the distribution system.
Police sources suspect that the stolen cylinders may be sold in the black market. Filled cylinders could fetch higher prices, while empty ones might be used for illegal refilling activities.
Following the incident, police have intensified the investigation, scanning CCTV footage and questioning individuals linked to scrap markets and illegal gas trade. Officials have assured that all angles are being probed and the accused will be arrested soon.