Pune News: Pimpri Chinchwad Police Bust Illegal Gas Refilling Racket In Chikhali; Equipment Worth ₹8.32 Lakh Seized
Pune News: Pimpri Chinchwad Police Bust Illegal Gas Refilling Racket In Chikhali; Equipment Worth ₹8.32 Lakh Seized
Pune, January 28, 2025 – In a significant action against illegal gas refilling operations, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police’s Anti-Property Crime Squad raided a makeshift facility in Chikhali, Pune, seizing equipment worth ₹8.32 lakh. The raid resulted in the confiscation of 126 gas cylinders, two tempos, and other hazardous equipment, with four individuals caught red-handed. The prime suspect remains at large.
The operation, conducted on instructions from Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner, was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doifode and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime-1) Dr. Vishal Hire. Acting on a tip-off from Constable Raskar, the team raided a shed in Pawar Vasti, Kudulwadi, where gas from domestic LPG cylinders was being illegally transferred to smaller cylinders.
The arrested suspects were identified as Shashikant Shankar Mangare (43), Sagar Suryakant Mirgaji (26), Amar Mahadev Sathe (29) and Yogesh Gangadhar Gundle (19). Police have named Ajay Rajendra Jain, a resident of Chikhali, as the key accused. Jain remains absconding.
The seized items, including partially filled and empty gas cylinders along with two tempos, were valued at ₹8.32 lakh. A case has been registered under various sections of the IPC, Essential Commodities Act, and Explosives Substances Act, reflecting the hazardous nature of the operation.
The raid was conducted under the supervision of Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinaykumar Chaube, Joint Commissioner Shashikant Mahawarkar, Additional Commissioner Vasant Pardeshi. The operation was executed by Senior Police Inspector Vijay Dhamal, Inspector Abhinay Pawar, and a dedicated team of officers, including PSI Bharat Gosavi and several constables.
Police officials have warned citizens of the grave risks posed by illegal gas refilling operations, which can lead to fires and explosions. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activities to help ensure public safety.
