3 days Ago By Sandip Dighe
Photo credit: AI PUNE: The Khadki police on Friday evening arrested an employee of the Ammunition Factory Khadki (AFK) for stealing 22 military-grade cartridges used in 9mm pistols. The arrested employee worked in the small arms section of the factory. This is not the first time an AFK employee has been caught in such a case.
In October last year, Pimpri-Chinchwad police arrested another employee for a similar offence. The incident has once again exposed lapses in the multiple layers of security at the factory’s entry and exit points. AFK’s Public Relations Officer, Binit Dubey, did not respond to phone calls or text messages.
AFK is one of the country’s oldest and primary ammunition factories for small arms, supplying the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and state police, including Maharashtra. The factory has appointed the Defence Security Corps (DSC) of the Indian Army, with about 500 personnel deployed for security duties. Despite this, such incidents continue to occur, AFK officials stated.
However, a senior DSC officer said, "This was a joint operation with security agencies following specific intelligence about the employee. Our personnel assisted in the operation, leading to his arrest outside the factory in time." Regarding the security arrangements, the officer added, "We have implemented stringent measures, including personnel stationed across sections, hundreds of CCTV cameras, body scanners, and other security checks for both permanent and contractual employees at entry and exit points.
We will further strengthen security on the premises." Meanwhile, security agencies and Pune police have termed the arrest a 'serious' concern. Deputy Commissioner of Police Himmat Jadhav said, "This is a matter of grave concern as factory employees involved in manufacturing such cartridges are also engaged in theft.
Who are they supplying this ammunition to? How is military-grade ammunition being distributed illegally? This has serious implications for public safety and security." The Intelligence Bureau (IB) received specific inputs about the suspect, following which Khadki police laid a trap outside the factory and arrested him. The stolen cartridges were recovered from the seat of his moped.
"The arrested individual comes from a well-off family and has been working at the factory since 2016 as a permanent employee. He owns a house in Chandanagar. We are still investigating his motive, as he avoided answering certain questions during interrogation.
He will be produced in court today," said Police Sub-Inspector Digvijay Chowgule, the investigating officer. A senior AFK official, who wished to remain anonymous, told TOI , "AFK has three entrances—Main, Maidan, and Account. Officers and their staff primarily use the Account gate, while the other two are for factory employees.
Security at the main gate is stringent, with physical and electronic checks. Visitors are not permitted to carry electronic devices or bags inside." Officials noted that employees in various sections handle the packing and dispatch of cartridges.
"The real question is how they manage to steal them despite thorough checks at the gates. We must urgently identify and address the security loopholes both inside and outside the factory," an official said. On 26 October 2008, Pune Crime Branch arrested an AFK employee for possessing live ammunition.
A few years ago, an internal inquiry was conducted after an employee was caught smuggling cartridges hidden inside soap. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Navratri Wishes , Eid Messages and quotes !.
