30 March,2026 12:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Police said that one empty cylinder was recovered from the premises, while another filled cylinder had already been seized earlier. Representational Pic/File
Mumbai Police have booked a hotel owner and his manager for alleged illegal use of domestic LPG cylinders, officials said, reported the PTI.
According to the police, an FIR has been registered against two individuals for allegedly storing and using domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes at a hotel in Kalbadevi.
The LT Marg Police said that the suspects who have been identified as Harish Mehta and Prakash Purohit have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Essential Commodities Act, the news agency reported.
The matter came to light after a rationing officer conducted a raid at Laxmi Vilas Hindu Hotel. During the inspection, officials found that domestic LPG cylinders, meant for household use, were being used in the hotel kitchen without proper authorisation or licence.
Police said that one empty cylinder was recovered from the premises, while another filled cylinder had already been seized earlier and deposited at the police station.
The hotel manager, identified as Prakash Hansaram Purohit (28), failed to produce valid documents for the use of the cylinders. The hotel owner, Harish Mehta, has also been named in the case for alleged involvement.
Officials noted that such misuse of subsidised LPG cylinders is a growing concern, as it affects supply meant for domestic consumers.
The development comes days after a major LPG theft was reported in Kandivali West. Unidentified persons allegedly stole 27 cylinders from a delivery vehicle in the Charkop area between the night of 25 and 26 March.
The stolen cylinders included five filled and 22 empty units. Police have registered a case and launched efforts to identify the culprits.
Authorities have also reported similar violations in Delhi. On 26 March, the Delhi Police Crime Branch uncovered an illegal operation in the Ranhola area involving the hoarding and misuse of LPG cylinders.
During the raid, officials seized 459 empty cylinders, including those belonging to Bharat Petroleum and Indane, exposing a large-scale unauthorised storage and suspected black marketing network.
Officials across cities have expressed concern over the increasing misuse and illegal trade of LPG cylinders, especially amid heightened public anxiety over fuel availability.
Investigations in all cases were ongoing, officials said.
(with IANS inputs)
