The police recovered 22 cylinders from them. Police said that the cylinders were supplied to the government schools under mid day meal scheme.
Urigaumpet’s Sheikh, Mustafa, Abdul Rehman, Robertsonpet’s Manoj and Sanjay Gandhi Nagar’s Masood have been arrested, they added.
The theft came to light when a police team lead by sub-inspector Krishna, Krishnappa and team chased a auto which was moving suspiciously and found cylinders without proper documents.
The thefts had been reported in all the 8 police stations of the taluk. Interestingly, four cylinders were stolen from the government school near the office of District Police Superintendent which has tight security.
The team then raided the houses of the arrested and recovered 22 cylinders. Police said that the gang travelled in a auto and carried out the thefts in the night at the government schools. The cylinders were later sold in the towns or cities from Rs 1,000 to 2,000, the police added.
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