3 days Ago By Sandip Dighe
Pune: An employee of the Ammunition Factory Khadki (AFK) was arrested on Friday evening on the charge of stealing 22 military-grade cartridges used in 9mm pistols. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) received specific inputs about the arrested man, an employee in the small arms section of AFK. Based on their information, the Khadki police laid a trap outside the factory premises and arrested him.
He was on Saturday remanded in police custody till April 2. A senior officer from the Defence Security Corps of the Indian Army told TOI, "It was a joint operation with the security agencies after getting specific inputs about the employee. Our personnel assisted the agencies.
He was arrested outside the factory on time." AFK's public relations officer, Binit Dubey, did not respond to TOI's phone calls and text messages till going to press. The Pimpri-Chinchwad police had arrested an employee of the factory in Oct last year.
Friday's incident again exposed lapses in the multiple layers of the security ring at AFK's entry and exit points. The senior officer from the Defence Security Corps of the Indian Army said, "We have taken concrete measures at the factory. Apart from our personnel stationed at different sections and a network of hundreds of CCTV cameras, we have body scanner machines and other means to carry out security checks during the entry and exit of permanent employees and those on contract.
We will further strengthen our arrangements on the factory premises." Security agencies and the Pune police termed the arrest of the AFK employee a "serious" concern. DCP Himmat Jadhav said, "Employees manufacturing such cartridges are involved in thefts.
Whom are they giving it to? How can military-grade ammunition be supplied illegally? It has broader implications on the safety and security of the common people." The police recovered cartridges from the arrested factory employee's moped. "He is from a well-to-do family.
He has been working with the factory since 2016 as a permanent employee. He has a house in Chandannagar. We are yet to understand the motive behind this act as he did not answer certain questions during the interrogation," said police sub-inspector Digvijay Chowgule.
The AFK has three entrances — main, maidan and accounts. "Accounts gates are often used by officers and their staff. The other two gates are used by employees working with various sections.
Security at the main gate is strict, as it has physical and electronic checks. Visitors are not permitted to carry electronic gadgets or bags inside the campus," a senior AFK official, who did not wish to be named, said. Employees working in various sections pack and parcel cartridges.
"How they manage to steal is a big question for us. There are thorough checks at the gates, but still, employees have found their ways. We have to plug gaps in the security arrangements in and outside the factory soon," he added.
AFK is one of the oldest ammunition factories. About 500 personnel of the Defence Security Corps of the Indian Army perform security duties at the factory. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Navratri Wishes , Eid Messages and quotes !.
