Serial Offender Apprehended in Kandivli LPG Cylinder Theft Racket

The criminal act transpired between March 25 and 26 at Kaka Keni Chowk in Kandivli West, where Sharma allegedly stole 27 LPG cylinders from a parked tempo. Following the heist, the accused transported the haul to his residence, effectively turning his home into a clandestine warehouse. Driven by the prospect of high margins during the fuel crisis, Sharma successfully sold 15 of the stolen units and was actively seeking buyers for the remaining 12 cylinders at the time of his capture.

The investigation reached a breakthrough through the meticulous analysis of CCTV footage, which captured a suspicious tempo at the scene of the crime. Investigators traced the vehicle to the brother of the accused, providing the critical link necessary to identify and locate Sharma. The subsequent operation revealed that Manoj Surendra Sharma is a seasoned career criminal with a staggering record of over 60 cases of robbery and house-breaking registered against him across Thane and Mira-Bhayandar-Vasai-Virar, in addition to 13 existing cases in Mumbai.

The high-stakes arrest was executed by a dedicated team led by DCP Sandeep Jadhav and ACP Nita Padvi. Senior Inspector Vinayak Chavhan confirmed that the authorities have recovered 12 stolen cylinders and seized the tempo utilized during the commission of the crime. This successful intervention not only brings a prolific recidivist to justice but also underscores the vigilance of the Mumbai Police in protecting vulnerable supply chains and curbing the black-marketing of essential resources during periods of regional shortage.