28 March,2026 01:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/PTI
A major theft involving LPG cylinders has been reported in Mumbai's Kandivali West, adding to concerns over cooking gas availability in the city. According to the Mumbai Police, unidentified individuals allegedly stole 27 cylinders from a delivery tempo parked in the Charkop area, reported news agency IANS.
The incident took place during the intervening night of March 25 and 26, when the vehicle was stationed with cylinders scheduled for distribution the following day.
Police officials said the accused broke into the parked tempo and stole a total of 27 cylinders, including five filled and 22 empty ones. The nature of the theft suggests that the perpetrators were aware of the vehicle's contents and targeted it deliberately, reported IANS.
The tempo had been parked overnight after completing scheduled deliveries, making it an easy target in a relatively less monitored area.
The complainant, Nandkumar Ramraj Soni (35), a resident of Malad West, has been working as a delivery agent with Shriji Gas Service for the past seven years. Delivering LPG cylinders door-to-door is his primary source of livelihood, reported IANS.
On March 25, Soni completed his routine delivery work and parked the tempo at around 11 p.m. in Charkop before returning home. When he came back at approximately 8 a.m. on March 26, he found the vehicle had been tampered with, reported IANS.
The window glass was broken and the rear lock damaged. Upon checking, he realised that all the cylinders had been stolen.
After initially confirming with colleagues that the cylinders had not been moved, Soni approached the police and filed a complaint. A case has been registered at Charkop Police Station against unknown persons.
Police officials said multiple teams have been deployed to investigate the case. CCTV footage from nearby locations has captured some suspicious individuals and vehicles, which are currently being analysed.
Investigators are also exploring the possibility that the stolen cylinders may have been diverted to illegal gas distribution channels or scrap markets. Individuals linked to such activities are being questioned as part of the probe, reported IANS.
The total value of the stolen cylinders is estimated at around Rs 15,500. Officials stated that despite the relatively low monetary value, the incident is being treated seriously due to potential safety risks and its impact on supply chains.
The police have said that the investigation is progressing on multiple fronts and expressed confidence that those responsible will be identified and apprehended soon.
(With inputs from IANS)
