Kolkata Family's LPG Cylinder Stolen in Unique Burglary Amid Fuel Crisis
In a shocking incident that underscores the deepening fuel scarcity in the city, thieves broke into the Beleghata residence of Amit Sarkar, 38, early on Saturday and made off with silver ornaments, electronic items, other valuables, and a full LPG cylinder. This marks the first such reported case in Kolkata since the LPG crisis erupted following the West Asia war, with no arrests made so far.
Distress Over Cooking Gas Loss
While silver ornaments and brass utensils were also stolen, the loss of the cooking gas cylinder has caused the most significant distress for the victims, highlighting the acute scarcity of the fuel amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. According to the complaint filed at Beleghata police station, the family discovered the theft after waking up in the morning to find the kitchen door pried open and utensils scattered across the floor.
"We checked the cupboards first, but the shock came when my wife entered the kitchen," Sarkar stated. "The gas cylinder was gone. We had managed to secure that refill with great difficulty. We were even cooking fewer dishes to make it last."
Investigation Details and Criminal Shift
An officer confirmed that the accused entered the residence before 2 am. After disconnecting the regulator, the thief hoisted the 14.2 kg cylinder onto his shoulder. CCTV footage is being collected from the scene, and investigators suspect more people were involved, waiting nearby to carry the heavy load.
Law enforcement officials noted that this is likely the first time a gas cylinder has been the primary target of a residential burglary in Kolkata. The shift in criminal interest is being attributed to a thriving black market. With supply chains squeezed by international conflict, commercial establishments—including hotels and street-side food stalls—are reportedly paying a premium for domestic cylinders.
"The demand in the grey market is at an all-time high. Even though it is a domestic cylinder, it can be sold instantly to a small eatery for a high price," said an officer.
Administrative Hurdles and Police Action
The theft has left the Sarkar family distraught due to the administrative hurdle of obtaining a replacement. "Without the old cylinder to return, we are unsure if the dealer will provide a new one. This is a setback of at least 25 days for our household," the family told investigators.
Beleghata Police have registered a case under Section 305(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). While silver jewellery was also missing from an adjacent room, the family has urged the police to prioritise the recovery of the gas cylinder. Officers are currently scanning further CCTV feed to track the route taken by the culprits.
Rising Scams Amid Crisis
While this is the first case of a physical theft of a gas cylinder, police have also warned of online methods being used by fraudsters exploiting this crisis. Kolkata Police cyber cells have issued an urgent advisory warning residents of a voice-based banking scam impersonating gas company officials, following three fresh complaints from Tollygunge, Behala, and Sinthee in the past 72 hours.
The scam begins with calls from seemingly legitimate local numbers starting with 9, mimicking familiar contacts. Fraudsters pose as gas company representatives, inquiring: "Does the subsidy get credited to your account? Which account does it go into?" Victims, often believing it's routine verification, share consumer numbers and bank details, which can lead to monetary losses if they act according to the fraudsters' instructions.
This incident highlights the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on daily life, with essential commodities like LPG becoming targets for theft and fraud in a strained market environment.
