FIR Filed Against Mumbai Hotel for Misusing Domestic LPG Cylinders Commercially
Mumbai hotel booked for illegal commercial use of domestic LPG cylinders.
An FIR has been registered against two individuals for allegedly storing and using domestic LPG cylinders illegally for commercial purposes at a hotel in Mumbai’s Kalbadevi area. The accused, hotel owner Harish Mehta and manager Prakash Hansaram Purohit, face charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Essential Commodities Act, police said.
The LT Marg Police said a rationing officer conducted a raid at the Laxmi Vilas Hindu Hotel following a tip-off. During the inspection, authorities discovered domestic LPG cylinders being used in the hotel kitchen without proper authorisation or licence. One empty cylinder was recovered from the premises, while another filled cylinder had already been seized earlier and deposited at the police station.
Police officials noted that Purohit, 28, failed to produce any valid documents for the use of the cylinders. Mehta, the hotel owner, has also been implicated for his alleged involvement in the illegal operation. Authorities highlighted that such violations are becoming increasingly common, raising concerns about the misuse of subsidised LPG meant for household use.
Also Read: 27 LPG Cylinders Stolen From Mumbai Delivery Vehicle; Police Investigating
The case comes amid a spate of incidents involving domestic gas cylinders in Mumbai. On March 28, thieves allegedly stole 27 LPG cylinders—five filled and 22 empty—from a delivery vehicle in Charkop, Kandivali West. The accused targeted a tempo used for door-to-door deliveries, impacting the livelihood of the delivery agent, Nandkumar Ramraj Soni, and his family. Mumbai Police confirmed that a case was registered and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the culprits.
Similar enforcement actions have been reported elsewhere in India. On March 26, the Delhi Police Crime Branch seized 459 empty LPG cylinders, including 175 Bharat Petroleum and 284 Indane cylinders, in Ranhola, Outer Delhi. The operation, conducted by the Western Range-I unit, exposed large-scale unauthorised storage and alleged black marketing of LPG cylinders.
Officials reiterated that the illegal use or hoarding of domestic LPG cylinders not only violates the law but also undermines the availability of subsidised fuel for households. Authorities have urged vigilance and cooperation from businesses and the public to prevent further violations.
Also Read: India Seizes 15,000 LPG Cylinders In 12,000 Raids; 94% Bookings Done Online
