The Indian Army has initiated a court of inquiry into the theft of six trophies from the mess of the Army Institute of Physical Training (AIPT) in Pune. The trophies were stolen between February 13 and March 15.
Discovery of the Theft
The incident came to light in late March during a routine cleaning of the mess. When the mess secretary opened the display cabinet, the trophies were found missing. The Army authorities lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the Wanowrie police on April 4.
Investigation and Suspicions
Local police suspect the involvement of insiders due to restricted access to the premises and the manner in which the trophies were removed without immediate detection. A senior Army officer stated that a three-member court of inquiry has been constituted to conduct a parallel internal investigation. The panel will investigate the matter and review security arrangements at the institute. Based on its recommendations, additional CCTV cameras and deployment of personnel will be considered.
Police Actions
Investigators are examining CCTV footage, access records, and questioning staff associated with the mess and administrative sections of the institute. Assistant Police Inspector of the Wanowrie police station, Umakant Mahadik, who is investigating the case, said: We have alerted jewellers in the city. Trophies made from silver have not been sold in the local market yet. We have questioned about 18 staffers associated with the AIPT's mess, but there is no concrete clue. The institute informed us about the internal inquiry. It will not affect our probe.
About AIPT
The AIPT is located on the busy Pune-Solapur highway. It is one of the Army's premier training establishments, responsible for training physical education instructors and sports personnel for the force. The value and historical significance of the stolen trophies are being assessed as part of the investigation.
