A heroic Delhi Police constable single-handedly averted a catastrophic tragedy for at least 16 families by dragging a burning LPG gas cylinder out of a four-storey residential building in west Delhi’s densely populated Mohan Garden area on Saturday, 20 December 2025, around 9:39 pm.
Constable Anil Mahla, serving as beat staff in the neighbourhood, responded instantaneously to a PCR call, entering the smoke-choked ground-floor kitchen ahead of fire services, hauling the flaming 15-kg cylinder downstairs to the street, and extinguishing it before an explosion could occur, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh.
No injuries or major property damage resulted despite widespread panic among trapped residents; police have commended Mahla’s split-second bravery, recommended official recognition, and initiated safety inspections in the area.
Bravery in the Face of Inferno
In a moment that could have turned deadly for dozens, Constable Anil Mahla spotted the gas cylinder engulfed in flames, with fire leaping aggressively from the regulator and nozzle in a cramped ground-floor kitchen of the multi-storey building.
Thick black smoke billowed through the corridors, rapidly spreading upwards and trapping extended families on the upper floors, many of whom were preparing for dinner amid the evening bustle.
Without waiting for backup, Mahla wrapped a wet cloth around his hands for minimal protection, shouldered the heavy, blazing cylinder, and manoeuvred it down the narrow stairs to the open street, where he doused the flames with available water sources.
This daring intervention lasted mere minutes but prevented what DCP Ankit Singh described as a “miracle averted disaster,” stating, “Ignoring his personal safety and acting quickly, the constable took the risky decision to enter the premises, pull out the burning gas cylinder and douse the flames.”
Eyewitness accounts highlight the chaos: children crying, residents shouting from balconies, and the acrid smell of gas mingling with smoke, yet Mahla’s calm resolve turned panic into relief.
His action not only saved lives but also exemplified the instinctive heroism embedded in everyday policing, earning praise across media as a testament to Delhi Police’s community-first spirit.
PCR Call Ignites Chain of Swift Action
The sequence began with a frantic PCR (Police Control Room) call at 9:39 pm, alerting Station House Officer Inspector Mukesh Antil, who promptly directed beat staff like Mahla to the scene while fire tenders and additional police vans mobilised from nearby stations.
Mohan Garden, a bustling extension of Dwarka known for its towering residential blocks housing joint families from diverse backgrounds, amplifies such risks gas cylinders are staples in urban Indian homes for cooking, yet leaks remain a persistent hazard in these tightly packed spaces.
By the time fire services arrived shortly after, Mahla had already neutralised the primary threat, allowing them to focus on ventilating the building and checking for residual hazards.
No casualties were reported, and property damage remained minimal, confined to the kitchen area. In the aftermath, police teams fanned out to inspect neighbouring homes, advising residents on basic safety measures like regular regulator checks, proper ventilation, and emergency preparedness.
This incident echoes similar close calls in Delhi’s suburbs, where quick local responses have repeatedly underscored the vital role of beat constables as the first line of defence in urban vulnerabilities.
Echoes of Vigilance in Urban India
Such events are not isolated; India’s metropolitan areas grapple with frequent gas-related mishaps, from faulty installations to overlooked leaks, claiming lives yearly despite awareness campaigns.
In Mohan Garden’s context, a vibrant yet congested pocket of west Delhi with over a lakh residents this rescue highlights systemic strengths and gaps alike: robust PCR networks enable rapid alerts, but the onus often falls on individual officers like Mahla until specialised units arrive.
Post-incident updates reveal no further developments like injuries or investigations into the leak’s cause, but social media buzz, including viral videos and calls for bravery medals, has amplified Mahla’s story, inspiring public admiration.
Authorities have since emphasised community drills and cylinder safety audits, reminding households that vigilance starts at home. Mahla’s feat, performed without fanfare, reinforces how ordinary citizens in uniform bridge the gap between crisis and calm, fostering trust in public safety nets.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Constable Anil Mahla’s extraordinary courage embodies the profound kindness and empathy that weave the fabric of harmonious communities, transforming moments of terror into triumphs of human solidarity and selfless action.
At The Logical Indian, we stand in awe of such unsung guardians who risk everything to protect strangers, upholding values of peace, dialogue, and coexistence while catalysing positive social change through everyday heroism. Their stories challenge us to cultivate safer environments, honour rapid responders, and nurture a culture where vigilance meets compassion.
