DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 29 (MExN): In the midst of long queues witnessed outside retail LPG outlets, one roadside ‘paan’ shop owner identified as Shahidul Islam (48 years) was arrested for buying and selling off stolen LPG cylinders. A delayed report received from the police stated that the filled cylinders numbering 20 in total were stolen from the LPG Bottling Plant at 7th Mile, Dimapur on December 25.
According to the Officer in-charge of Diphupar Police Station, the cylinders were pilfered from a truck by one person identified as Thapo Deka. Deka, who is absconding is said to be the handyman of the truck. The theft occurred on December 25 and discovered only the next day by the driver.
A police report was lodged and during the subsequent investigation, police detained one Sanjay said to be a handyman of another LPG carrier (truck) on suspicion. However, he was found to be not party to the theft but police were led to a ‘paan’ shop just opposite the bottling plant, which was run by Islam. Interrogation of Islam led police to establish his connection to the theft.
It later emerged that on December 25, the absconding Deka had taken the truck out of the plant, fully laden with filled LPG cylinders, on the pretext of repairing one of its wheels. He then pilfered 20 cylinders and sold it to Islam for an undisclosed amount of money. The truck alongwith the remaining cylinders were driven back to the plant and Deka absconded.
Islam then resold the cylinders for Rs. 2500 each. Police have recovered 10 cylinders and are hopeful of recovering the rest. Police did not rule out the possibility of Islam’s involvement in such deals in the past as well.
