Massive Search Launched for Stolen 400-Year-Old Cannon in Rajasthan

Search Operation in Karauli District

Jaipur, July 23: Authorities have initiated a comprehensive search in Karauli district, Rajasthan, following the theft of a historic cannon, which is over 400 years old, from Narwar Fort located in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district. It is believed that the cannon has been moved to Hindaun.

This cannon, weighing approximately 3,500 kilograms and valued between Rs 3-5 crore in the international antique market, was taken on the night of July 15. Based on intelligence from Madhya Pradesh Police, Rajasthan Police commenced an extensive search operation in Gavda Meena village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Hindaun Sadar police station.

The operation included excavating several sites with JCB machines, and a team equipped with metal detectors from Bharatpur was also involved in the search for the cannon. Over 50 police officers participated in the operation, supervised by local law enforcement and administrative officials. Despite searching five to six suspected sites from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., no evidence of the cannon was discovered.

According to Hindaun Sadar SHO Girraj Prasad, the Shivpuri Police provided specific leads suggesting that the stolen cannon might be hidden in the village. Both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Police are collaborating on the investigation to ascertain how and when the cannon was moved across state lines.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the theft was meticulously planned. The suspects reportedly wrapped the large cannon in mattresses to avoid damage, lowered it nearly 3,000 feet from the fort using a specially designed iron trolley, and loaded it onto a vehicle before fleeing.

Authorities suspect that an organized international antique smuggling ring may be involved in this incident.

Evidence such as tyre marks from heavy vehicles and drag marks were found near the fort, reinforcing the theory that specialized equipment was used for the cannon's transport. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding security at Narwar Fort. Although six security personnel are assigned to the fort, it has been reported that both night-duty guards abandoned their posts on the night of the theft.

During interrogations, one guard revealed that he left due to inadequate security measures, including poor lighting and lack of accommodation.

Another guard admitted that the initial report of an armed robbery was false.

The cannon was one of 14 rare pieces displayed in the open court of Narwar Fort, which dates back to the era of the Scindia princely state. Following the theft, only 13 historic cannons remain at the site.

These cannons, made from materials such as brass, bronze, copper, and Ashtadhatu (an eight-metal alloy), feature inscriptions in both Persian and Devanagari scripts, marking them as significant cultural artifacts. A joint team from the Madhya Pradesh State Archaeology Department and the police has examined the crime scene and collected vital evidence, including mattresses, quilts, iron pipes, and vehicle tyre marks.

Officials are currently analyzing this evidence to identify the perpetrators and trace the vehicle used in the theft.

Tarun Kumar Mahobia, Deputy Director of the State Archaeology Department, described the incident as extremely serious, stating that both the theft and security protocols at the fort are under review. Narwar SHO Vinay Yadav confirmed that a case has been filed against unknown individuals, and efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen cannon and apprehend those responsible.