LPG Cylinders Emerge as Prime Target for Burglars in Ranchi Amid Supply Disruption
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has triggered an unexpected ripple effect in Ranchi, where a disruption in LPG supply is reshaping criminal activities. Burglars in the city are now bypassing traditional valuables like cash and jewelry, instead targeting LPG cylinders, which have transformed into a luxury commodity due to scarcity and soaring black market prices.
Black Market Prices Fuel Criminal Shift
With domestic LPG cylinders officially priced at Rs 970.50, the black market is capitalizing on the supply crunch, selling them for an exorbitant Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000. Commercial cylinders, normally costing Rs 2,258, are fetching between Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,000 illegally. This price surge has made cylinders a lucrative target for thieves, leading to a noticeable change in burglary patterns across Ranchi.
Recent Incidents Highlight the Trend
In the past few days, police have documented at least three separate incidents where burglars specifically targeted LPG cylinders, leaving other household items untouched. One notable case occurred on Saturday at the residence of Krishnakant Chaudhary, where two bike-borne individuals executed a swift theft.
Ram Narayan Singh, officer in-charge of Namkum police station, detailed the event: "While one miscreant waited outside, the other entered the home and stole both a filled and an empty cylinder. The entire act was captured on CCTV, and no family members were present. We have registered an FIR and are investigating the footage to identify the culprits. Notably, they ignored all other valuables."
Another incident unfolded in the Chutia area on the same day, where Prem Chaudhury discovered his LPG cylinder missing from a storeroom. "I was home all day but didn't realize the theft until Sunday. I was shocked that they took only the cylinder, not jewelry or cash," Chaudhury told reporters, adding that he plans to file a police complaint after consulting his LPG distributor.
Police Action and Arrests
Law enforcement has responded to this emerging trend. On Wednesday, a man identified as Ali Riyan was arrested for allegedly stealing an LPG cylinder from a home in the Argora area. SP (city) Paras Rana confirmed, "We recovered a stolen cylinder from his possession and seized a van used for transporting stolen cylinders. The accused has a history of similar offenses and has been sent to jail."
This shift in criminal behavior underscores the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on local economies and security. As the West Asia conflict continues to disrupt supply chains, residents in Ranchi are advised to secure their LPG cylinders and remain vigilant against this new form of theft.
