In a startling incident highlighting a growing security concern, thieves have brazenly stolen a gas cylinder from the residence of a judicial magistrate in Ludhiana’s affluent Sarabha Nagar area. The theft occurred in broad daylight, underscoring the audacity of criminals even in areas considered secure and drawing attention to the safety of judicial officials.
The Chenab Times has learned that the incident took place at the home of JMIC Gaurav Gupta. According to the complaint filed, Shankar Singh, a cook employed at the judge’s residence and a resident of CRPF Colony, Dugri, reported the theft. Singh stated that on August 7, 2026, around 4 p.m., he discovered the gas cylinder was missing from its usual place when he went to prepare tea.
Upon reviewing the house’s CCTV footage, the entire sequence of the theft was captured. The video revealed an unidentified man entering the premises through the main gate at approximately 3:22 p.m. The individual is seen calmly picking up the gas cylinder, placing it onto a white Activa scooter, and then making a swift escape.
Based on the cook’s statement and the visual evidence from the CCTV, the Police Division-5 has registered a case against the unknown thief. Authorities are now investigating the matter, with particular focus on identifying the perpetrator and recovering the stolen cylinder.
This incident follows a similar theft that occurred in late June at the residence of another Judicial Magistrate, Amit Bakshi, located in the C-Block of BRS Nagar, also within Sarabha Nagar. In that case, the complaint was lodged by the judge’s gunman, ASI Jaswinder Pal, with the Sarabha Nagar police station.
According to reports from the earlier incident, Judge Bakshi had left the city on station leave on June 27. The following day, upon receiving a call from the judge, ASI Pal visited the residence and found the house had been ransacked, leading him to report a suspected theft to the police. The items reported stolen from Judge Bakshi’s residence included a bicycle valued at approximately Rs 40,000, silver articles, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The repeated targeting of judicial officers’ residences in Ludhiana has raised concerns among legal fraternity members and residents alike, prompting calls for increased security measures in such sensitive areas.
The Chenab Times News Desk