The Intelligence Bureau (IB) had identified some key security concerns after a recent security inspection at the Ordnance Factory Varangaon (OFV) from where three AK-47 and two Israeli-made Galil rifles were stolen — sometime between Oct 19 and 21.
The IB conducts security audits of key defence establishments, including armoury factories, every five years. A senior OFV officer said, “The central agency had recommended adoption of modern technology to enhance security on the factory campus, which is spread over 2,200 acres. It also called for an increase in security coverage at strategic points throughout the premises.”
The officer added, “Two IB teams had conducted information technology (IT) and infrastructure security audits. The IT audit was to counter cyber threats, while the infrastructure audit was meant to enhance overall measures on the campus. The report highlighted rusting of fencing wire, condition of the watchtowers and other issues of the factory.”
When contacted, OFV general manager Mahesh Shinde said, “We are in the process of implementing important measures to strengthen security on the campus, but we cannot disclose details at this point in time.” As of now, the security of the OFV is being managed by the Defence Security Corps (DSC) of the Indian Army along with some private personnel.
Jalgaon’s superintendent of police (SP) Maheshwar Reddy said, “We have formed five teams under additional SP Ashok Nakhate to investigate the theft at the ordnance factory. Some of our senior officers are stationed at the factory as part of the ongoing probe. In coordination with the DSC, about 200 personnel from the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, Quick Response Team, Dog Squad and crime branch, carried out a combing operation within one-km radius of the factory.”
The police have so far recorded statements of 20 employees who were working at the factory between Oct 19 and 21. “We haven’t got any specific lead yet from their statements,” police inspector Janardhan Khandero, who is the investigating officer, said.
Officials from the factories said that about 100 security personnel from the factory and about 125 police personnel have been jointly searching the forest-like areas on the campus.
