Melaghar: In a bizarre turn of events, a thief was caught red-handed after falling asleep at the scene of the crime while attempting to flee with a stolen gas cylinder, police said.
The incident occurred late Sunday night near Samar Bridge, Fakirbari, at the edge of Telkajala Gram Panchayat under Melaghar police station. According to local sources, the accused allegedly broke into the kitchen of Swapan Ghosh’s house and stole a gas cylinder. However, he reportedly dozed off a short distance away before he could escape.
Around 3:30 am, Ghosh woke up to find the cylinder missing and, upon searching nearby, discovered a man asleep beside it. His alarm drew neighbours, who caught the sleeping man, tied him up, and allegedly assaulted him before informing police. Police reached the spot, detained the accused, and took him into custody.
The accused was identified as Iman Hossain of Telkajala. Locals alleged he has a history of theft, including cattle theft, and is reportedly struggling with substance addiction, though police say the matter is still under investigation.
The episode has left residents both alarmed and amused.