Pune: Illegal Domestic LPG Cylinder Racket Busted In Handewadi; 103 Cylinders Seized, One Arrested
Pune: Illegal Domestic LPG Cylinder Racket Busted In Handewadi; 103 Cylinders Seized, One Arrested
Pune, April 14, 2026: In a major crackdown on the illegal trade of domestic cooking gas, the Kalepadal Police Station in Pune City raided a shop in the Handewadi area and seized 103 gas cylinders, arresting one accused involved in black marketing activities.
Acting on directives from senior officials to curb illegal businesses and monitor known offenders, a police team was conducting routine patrolling in the jurisdiction when Police Constable Mahadev Shinde received a tip-off from a confidential informant. The information indicated that an individual was illegally transferring domestic LPG into commercial cylinders in the Handewadi locality.
Upon verification, police found a Maruti Suzuki Super Carry tempo (MH-14 KX 7917) parked adjacent to Kavya Multi Services shop, loaded with both domestic and commercial gas cylinders. A further inspection inside the shop revealed that the accused was actively transferring gas from domestic cylinders into commercial cylinders and smaller 5-kg cylinders, posing a serious threat to human life.
The accused was identified as Nitin Hanumant Holkar (38), a resident of Handewadi, Pune. When questioned, he failed to produce any valid license for storing or handling LPG cylinders.
Police seized a total of 103 gas cylinders along with the vehicle, collectively valued at ₹10,09,300. A case has been registered against the accused under sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act at Kalepadal Police Station (Crime Register No. 164/2026).
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajkumar Shinde (Zone 6) and Assistant Commissioner of Police Atulkumar Navgire (Hadapsar Division), and under the supervision of Senior Police Inspector Mansing Patil. The team, led by Assistant Police Inspector Amit Shete along with other officers and staff, executed the raid successfully.
Police officials stated that strict action will continue against illegal LPG trade to ensure public safety and prevent misuse of essential commodities.
