Weapons – Missing Firearms From Faridabad Police Armoury Trigger Major Investigation
Weapons – Authorities have launched an extensive probe after dozens of licensed firearms kept for safekeeping reportedly disappeared from a police station armoury, raising serious concerns over security procedures.
A major security lapse has come to light in Faridabad after 32 licensed firearms stored inside the police armoury at the Sector 8 police station were reported missing. The weapons had been voluntarily deposited by local residents for safe custody and were expected to remain secure until their owners claimed them. Following the discovery, police initiated a criminal investigation and registered a theft case against the officer responsible for managing the armoury.
Officer Suspended as Departmental Action Begins
The official in charge of the malkhana, Assistant Sub-Inspector Bijendra Singh, has been suspended by Police Commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta. Alongside the suspension, the department has ordered an internal inquiry to determine whether negligence or any deliberate misconduct contributed to the disappearance of the firearms. Authorities are examining all records linked to the storage and handling of the weapons.
Routine Inspection Uncovered the Discrepancy
According to officials familiar with the investigation, the issue surfaced during a routine verification of weapons stored at the police station. The preliminary inspection initially suggested that 13 firearms were unaccounted for. However, a detailed physical verification and record audit later established that the actual number of missing weapons had increased to 32.
Senior police officers subsequently ordered a comprehensive inquiry, which confirmed the larger discrepancy. The findings prompted immediate disciplinary and criminal action.
High-Value Firearms Among Missing Weapons
Police sources indicated that several of the missing firearms are expensive foreign-made pistols and other licensed weapons. Their estimated market value reportedly ranges between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 10 lakh each, making the theft financially significant in addition to posing a serious public safety concern.
Investigators suspect that some of these weapons may have already been moved or sold in Rajasthan as well as parts of the Delhi-NCR region. However, police have not officially confirmed these claims, and no formal statement has been issued regarding the possible movement or sale of the firearms.
Recovery of Weapons Remains Top Priority
Investigators are now focusing on tracing the missing weapons and identifying everyone who may have been involved in their disappearance. Sources said the investigation team has been instructed to maintain confidentiality so that operational details are not disclosed while the inquiry is underway.
The recovery of the missing firearms has become the primary challenge for law enforcement agencies, as officials work to prevent the weapons from falling into criminal hands or being misused.
Police Commissioner Assures Strict Action
Police Commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta stated that the investigation is progressing and assured that accountability would be ensured. He said that every individual found responsible for the theft or any related misconduct would face strict legal action. Authorities are continuing to examine records, question those connected to the armoury, and gather evidence to establish how such a large number of licensed weapons disappeared from police custody.