400-Year-Old Cannon Stolen from Madhya Pradesh's Narwar Fort

A 400-year-old cannon has been reported stolen from the historic Narwar Fort in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, police confirmed on Friday. The theft is believed to have occurred between the night of July 15 and July 16, with suspects allegedly using a vehicle to transport the heavy artillery from the rear of the fort.

Police Probe Smuggling Angle

Karera Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Prashant Sharma stated that an investigation is underway, with all possibilities, including the involvement of interstate or international smuggling networks, being explored. Sharma noted that the cannon had fallen from its original position days before the theft but was not secured afterward, leaving it vulnerable.

Authorities are analysing CCTV footage from nearby areas and examining potential escape routes to trace the culprits.

Archaeology Department Flags Security Concerns

Deputy Director of the State Archaeology Department, Tarun Kumar Srivastava, described the incident as "extremely serious" and announced plans to visit Narwar Fort to assess its security measures. The fort, believed to have been rebuilt by the Kachhwaha Rajputs in the 10th century, originally housed 14 historical cannons. With this theft, only 13 remain.

Why It Matters

The stolen cannon is not just a piece of artillery but a significant relic of India's heritage, tied to the fort's centuries-old history. Its theft raises concerns about the security of historical monuments and the potential for such artefacts to end up in illegal markets.

Police and archaeology officials are racing against time to recover the cannon and prevent further breaches at the site.

Source: The Hindu