Bengaluru: Two unidentified men allegedly stole LPG cylinders from a residence in the city on Thursday, triggering concern amid reports of cooking gas shortages across parts of the country.
Theft captured on CCTV
The incident was captured on a CCTV camera installed near the house in Begur. The footage shows two men arriving on a scooter, both wearing helmets that concealed their identities.
In the video, one of the accused is seen entering the residential premises on the scooter while the other remains outside on the road, seemingly acting as a lookout. Within a few minutes, the man inside returns carrying two LPG cylinders, which are quickly loaded onto the scooter.
The duo then fled the spot, successfully escaping before anyone could intervene.
Incident on festival day
The theft took place on the day of Ugadi, a major festival celebrated across Karnataka and other parts of southern India. The timing of the incident has added to public concern, as many households rely heavily on LPG for cooking during festive occasions.
Residents in the area expressed shock over the audacity of the act, especially as it occurred in broad daylight and during a festival.
Police begin investigation
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the theft. Efforts are underway to identify the accused using CCTV footage and other available evidence.
Officials said that teams are examining nearby surveillance cameras and gathering information from local residents to trace the suspects. However, no arrests have been made so far.
Concerns over LPG shortage
The incident comes at a time when concerns are being raised about the availability of LPG cylinders. Reports of supply constraints have emerged from various regions, leading to increased demand and anxiety among consumers.
Some residents have claimed difficulty in obtaining cylinders, prompting them to look for alternative cooking options.
Shift to alternative appliances
With uncertainty surrounding LPG availability, there has been a noticeable rise in the purchase of induction cooktops and other electric cooking appliances. Retailers and online platforms have reportedly seen a surge in demand, with several models going out of stock within a short period.
Experts attribute this trend to fears of prolonged supply disruptions linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.
Public urged to remain vigilant
Police have advised residents to remain vigilant and ensure proper security measures at their homes, including installing surveillance systems and securing gas cylinders within locked premises.
Authorities also urged citizens to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods to prevent similar incidents.
Conclusion
The LPG cylinder theft in Bengaluru highlights both local security concerns and broader anxieties over fuel availability. As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on tracing the culprits while urging the public to stay alert during a period of heightened demand and uncertainty.