A joint investigation has been launched after an antique piece of artillery, estimated to be nearly 400 years old, was stolen from the historic Narwar Fort in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district. The incident occurred between the night of Wednesday and Thursday. Local administrative officials noted that the fort, which was famously rebuilt by the Kachhwaha Rajputs back in the 10th century, originally housed 14 historical cannons. Following this breach, only 13 remain at the site.
Preliminary forensic evidence indicates that multiple suspects utilized a vehicle to gain unauthorized access to the rear perimeter of the fort, enabling them to transport the heavy artillery piece away. Interestingly, the targeted weapon had fallen from its mount a few days prior to the incident but was left unsecured instead of being moved into safe custody. Karera Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Prashant Sharma confirmed that specialized teams are analyzing technical data and area CCTV footage, tracking down potential getaway routes while probing the possible involvement of an international or interstate antiquities smuggling syndicate.
Reacting to the vulnerability, the Deputy Director of the State Archaeology Department, Tarun Kumar Srivastava, called the matter “extremely serious”. Departmental supervisors plan to personally audit security frameworks at the monument.
