In a shocking case driven by gambling debts, the city crime branch of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has arrested three individuals, including a truck driver, for allegedly stealing a vehicle loaded with LPG cylinders. The primary motive was to recover significant financial losses incurred while playing online rummy.
The Sting of Online Gambling Leads to Crime
The main accused has been identified as Vijay alias Guddu Vishram Pawar (38), a resident of Naregaon who worked as a driver for gas cylinder trucks. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ratnakar Navale, Pawar, burdened by debts from online rummy, masterminded the theft to secure quick funds for further gambling and leisure activities.
How the LPG Cylinder Theft Was Executed
The incident took place on the night of December 23 within the premises of the HPCL gas company in Naregaon. A truck bearing registration number MH-44-U-2309 was parked with its ignition key left inside, as per standard practice. Seizing this opportunity, the accused drove away the vehicle which was laden with 62 gas cylinders.
Crime Branch Inspector Gajanan Kalyankar detailed the subsequent events. The stolen cylinders were unloaded with the assistance of accomplices. In an attempt to throw investigators off the trail, the empty truck was later abandoned near Zhalta Phata. The entire consignment was sold at throwaway prices to finance the accused's habits.
Arrests and Police Action
Following a formal complaint, the crime branch acted on a specific tip-off that pointed to Pawar's involvement. This led to the arrest of Pawar and his two alleged accomplices. The other arrested individuals are Jagdish alias Jigar Rajendra Patel (38) from Ghodegaon in Nevasa taluka, and Akshay Ganesh Solunke (27) from Murtijapur.
All three accused were presented before a local court on Thursday and have been remanded to two days of police custody for further interrogation and recovery of the sold property.
This case highlights the extreme lengths to which addiction to online gambling platforms can drive individuals, resulting in serious criminal activities that disrupt essential supply chains and public safety.
