Haveri: Bankapur police in Haveri, Karnataka, have arrested two persons for allegedly stealing LPG cylinders from kitchens of government schools in four villages of the district at a time when concerns over cooking gas availability are being felt more widely.
The accused have been identified as Tiddalingayya (31) of Yallur and Fakkiragouda alias Puttanagouda (32) of Bammanahalli in Hangal taluk.
According to the police, the thefts took place between March 23 and April 5 during night hours. Complaints were filed that the locks of school kitchens in Andalagi, Hotanahalli, Hulikatti, and Konanakere villages under the Bankapur police limits were broken open, and LPG cylinders used for mid-day meal cooking were stolen.
Based on complaints, cases were registered at the Bankapur police station under Sections 331(3), 331(4), and 305(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in connection with the thefts. Acting on the complaints, a special team was formed under the guidance of Shiggaon DSP Gurushantappa KV and CPI Anil Kumar Rathod. The team, led by PSIs Manjunath S Kuri and Jayasheela, tracked down the accused after conducting investigations from various angles.
Police said they recovered four stolen LPG cylinders belonging to HP and Bharat companies from the accused. A motorcycle used in the crime was also seized. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody, and further investigation is in progress.