Haryana human rights panel takes serious note of theft of 32 firearms from Faridabad police station

Chandigarh, Nov 10 (PTI) Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken serious note of the theft of 32 licensed firearms from the storeroom of Sector 8 Police Station, Faridabad, and has directed a review of the security arrangements in the storerooms of all police stations across the state.

     In an order dated November 2, HHRC member Deep Bhatia directed the Haryana director general of police to review the safe custody of firearms, access to police storerooms and supervisory mechanisms in the light of the theft.

     The matter was brought before the commission through a complaint filed on July 16 by an advocate, a resident of Panchkula.

     The complaint stated that the owners of 32 licensed firearms had deposited their weapons at the police station in compliance with the law, entrusting them to the police for safe custody. However, the theft of these firearms from the police storeroom indicated a serious failure in the security arrangements on the part of the police.

     Highlighting the human rights implications of the incident, the complainant submitted that if the stolen firearms were used in criminal activities, their legitimate owners could face fear, mental distress and unnecessary legal complications, despite having complied with the law.

     According to the report submitted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Faridabad, a man undergoing apprenticeship training at Sector 8 Police Station was suspected to be involved in stealing the firearms.

     He was assisting in maintaining the daily diary of the police station and was also performing duties relating to the police storeroom. During this period, he became familiar with the records and articles kept in the storeroom.

     During the investigation, a police official raised suspicion regarding his involvement in the theft of firearms.

     Subsequently, based on the investigation and the evidence collected, he was arrested along with 28 other persons. The police report further stated that all the firearms reported missing from the police station had been recovered from the accused persons and that the challan in the case was presented before a court on August 6.

     In its order, the commission observed that the matter raises serious concerns regarding the safety and security of licensed firearms belonging to civilians, which are deposited in police stations with the legitimate expectation that they will remain in safe custody.

     Citizens routinely deposit their licensed firearms at police stations, particularly during elections and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, with complete faith in the police authorities for their safekeeping. In such circumstances, granting access to the police storeroom to a person who was merely undergoing apprenticeship training and was not a regular employee of the police department raises serious questions about the existing security arrangements and supervisory mechanisms.

     The Haryana Human Rights Commission observed that the role of the apprentice was particularly alarming.

     Any lapse in the safe custody of firearms not only affects the rights and interests of the concerned licence holders but may also pose a serious threat to public safety and the law-and-order situation in the State.

     Panel member Deep Bhatia directed the DGP to ensure that apprentices, trainees and other non-regular personnel are not granted unauthorised access to licensed firearms belonging to civilians or other sensitive articles kept in police storerooms across the State.

     Necessary instructions are to be issued to all police stations, ensuring proper custody of firearms, restricted access, adherence to security protocols and strict compliance with effective supervisory mechanisms.

     Dr Puneet Arora, Assistant Registrar of the Commission, said that the DGP has also been directed to examine the present incident from the perspective of systemic and supervisory lapses and take necessary corrective and preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future.

     The DGP has been asked to submit a comprehensive action taken report (ATR) detailing the review conducted at the state level, the security and preventive measures adopted, and the instructions issued to all police stations in this regard.

     The matter has been adjourned for further consideration to January 11, 2027, at the Camp Court to be held at New PWD Rest House (B&R), Gurugram.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)