Itanagar, May 6:
Itanagar Police have arrested two persons in connection with a series of domestic LPG cylinder thefts reported from different parts of the capital region, exposing what investigators describe as a wider theft-and-disposal network operating during the ongoing LPG shortage.
The accused, identified as Yikar Taba and Lingko Tare, were apprehended following a complaint regarding the theft of an LPG cylinder from the verandah of a residence at Jollang.
Acting on local intelligence during investigation of Itanagar P.S. Case No. 121/2026 registered under Section 305(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the police intercepted the accused and recovered the stolen LPG cylinder linked to the case.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly conducted reconnaissance in residential areas, targeting houses where LPG cylinders were kept in open spaces or verandahs. The cylinders were reportedly stolen when the houses appeared unattended.
Police further revealed that the accused allegedly took advantage of the panic caused by the ongoing LPG shortage by selling the stolen cylinders at cheaper rates through local contacts and demand generated on social media platforms.
During the course of investigation, police recovered 10 LPG cylinders from various receivers across Itanagar township. Authorities stated that efforts are underway to identify additional victims, trace the remaining stolen cylinders, verify the role of receivers, and establish the complete theft-and-disposal chain.
Public Advisory
Police have appealed to citizens who may have purchased or received LPG cylinders from the accused persons, or from any suspicious or unauthorised source, to voluntarily surrender them at Police Station Itanagar.
Authorities warned that purchasing stolen property is a punishable offence, and legal action will be initiated against any receiver found in possession of stolen cylinders during the investigation.
Citizens have also been urged not to purchase LPG cylinders or household items from unknown persons offering suspiciously low prices, and to immediately report any suspicious sale of LPG cylinders to the police.
