Pune: A catastrophic disaster was narrowly averted in the Chakan area of Pune in the early hours of the morning as police dismantled an illegal gas-refilling syndicate. The operation, which took place on the Chakan–Shikrapur highway, has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the deadly risks taken by those exploiting domestic gas shortages.
The racket was operating out of the parking area of an Indane Gas company facility within the limits of Bhose village. Acting on a precise tip-off, a special team formed under the guidance of the Senior Police Inspector conducted a stealthy raid at the site.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a scene of extreme peril. A massive gas tanker (MH-04 MH-7787) had its official seal breached. The gang was caught red-handed illegally transferring liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) directly from the tanker into domestic cylinders. The process was being conducted with zero safety equipment or precautions, turning the parking lot into a high-octane hazard zone.
The Chakan North Police successfully apprehended three suspects at the scene. The arrested persons were identified as Ambadas Rohidas Gade (42, hailing from Chembur, Mumbai), Akshay Ramesh Mungase (25, from Rase, Khed) and Navnath Ankush Hojge (34, from Bhose, Khed).
The scale of the operation was huge. Authorities seized goods and equipment valued at Rs 49,57,600, including the specialised gas tanker, the illegal refilling apparatus, and a large stock of gas.
The memory of a similar illegal gas extraction incident in Mohitewadi two years ago, which ended in a devastating explosion, still haunts the region. Local residents praised the prompt police action, noting that if the siphoning had sparked even a single flame, the proximity to the Indane Gas facility could have resulted in a multi-acre disaster.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the destination of the illegally filled cylinders and whether more individuals are involved in the supply chain.