Mumbai, April 5 – Police in the Powai area of Mumbai have cracked a major gas cylinder theft racket and arrested three individuals. The main accused, Raj Chandrakant Kamble (45), along with two accomplices, have been taken into custody.
A total of 45 gas cylinders and three stolen motorcycles have been recovered from them, which were stolen from various areas of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane.
The Mumbai Police stated that, due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf countries, there has been concern and uncertainty among citizens regarding the availability of gas cylinders.
At such a time, incidents like these thefts have further increased people's difficulties.
The case came to light when a complaint of a two-wheeler theft was registered at the Powai Police Station.
During the investigation, it was found that the same stolen motorcycle was being used by the accused to steal gas cylinders.
Following this, the police registered a formal case and began a detailed investigation.
The police team carefully analyzed local CCTV footage and, based on technical investigation, identified the accused.
Subsequently, a raid was conducted in the Vartak Nagar area of Thane, where one accused was apprehended.
Based on the accused's leads, the other accused were also arrested.
During the investigation, the police recovered three motorcycles and 45 gas cylinders from the possession of the accused, all of which had been stolen from different areas.
The police questioning revealed that the accused had been involved in such crimes for a long time.
According to police records, the main accused, Raj Chandrakant Kamble, has more than 10 criminal cases registered against him in Mumbai and other police stations.
The Powai Police are currently investigating the entire network and trying to identify other members involved in the gang.