The two youths have been identified as Ketan Nadia (20) from Nehrunagar na Chhapara, and Laxman Koshti (21) from Surya Nagar na Chhapara in Hatkeshwar area. The scrap dealer has been identified as Lalit Joshi (30) from Chhana Sheth ni Chali in the Hatkeshwar area.

According to the police, Ketan and Laxman were trying to sell four pieces of manhole covers at Joshi's shop when an AMC official got a tip-off about the incident. He immediately informed the police, who nabbed the three on theft charges. The two were selling the four pieces at the rate of Rs 1,200 each.

Later, the Amaraiwadi police handed them to the Ramol police as the offence took place in the latter's jurisdiction. Assistant Engineer of East Zone Vasant Patel has lodged a complaint in this regard.

Such incidents are quite common in the eastern part of the city. Police say that most of the culprits are youngsters who steal to manage their daily expenses.

“Under the provisions of the CrPC, scrap dealers are legally bound not to buy unaccounted goods. But they do it to make quick money. There is a need to put some restrictions on them in this regard,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police Ajay Kumar Chaudhary.