Mumbai police apprehended two gas delivery agents involved in a scheme to pilfer gas from cylinders intended for home deliveries. The suspects allegedly transferred the gas to another cylinder for separate sale, surreptitiously using a flute-like device to extract gas while securing the delivery vehicle’s door.
According to Shivaji Nagar police, during a patrol in Rafiq Nagar around 2:45 am on Friday, officers noticed a parked tempo with two individuals behaving suspiciously behind it. The duo, identified as Salib Beg (28) and Mohammad Khan (26), both residents of Shivaji Nagar, were observed closing the tempo’s back door.
They manually removed a Bharat Gas Cylinder without breaking the seal, transferring gas to another cylinder without compromising the seal.
The illicit activity involved transferring gas from domestic-use cylinders to commercial-use cylinders. Upon further inspection, the police discovered nine empty gas tanks designated for domestic use, one partially filled commercial tank, and 29 full domestic-use tanks—all belonging to Bharat Gas Company. Additionally, iron flutes used for transferring gas were found.
The police detained the accused, both delivery boys, who confessed to the fraudulent practice, claiming they had been doing it for a month. The seized items, including the tempo, prompted the registration of an FIR against the duo. Further investigation and questioning of the suspects are underway.