Chandigarh heritage furniture stolen: 2 FIRs registered on PU, PGI authorities’ complaint

Two FIRs have been registered after heritage furniture was reported missing from the campuses of Panjab University and the Post Graduate Institute in Chandigarh. The complaints were filed under Sections 305(E) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which covers theft of any property belonging to the government or a local authority, and Section 61(2), dealing with criminal conspiracy. Authorities from both institutions lodged the cases, citing the loss of valuable, historically significant pieces that were part of their collections. The registration of the FIRs marks the first formal legal step in addressing the theft, which has raised concerns about the protection of cultural assets within the city’s major educational and medical facilities.

The theft came to light when staff at the university noticed that several ornate wooden chairs and tables, crafted during the early years of the campus, were absent from their designated display areas. A similar discrepancy was observed at the Post Graduate Institute, where a set of antique cabinets used in administrative offices could not be accounted for. Initial investigations suggest that the items may have been removed without proper documentation, prompting an internal audit that uncovered the discrepancies.

Police officials confirmed that the cases were formally entered into the FIR register on the same day the discrepancies were reported. A senior officer from the Chandigarh police said that the investigation will focus on determining whether the removal was orchestrated or opportunistic, and whether any individuals with access to the premises were involved. The officer added that the sections under which the FIRs were lodged allow for the possibility of charging those found to have conspired in the theft, as well as those who may have physically taken the furniture.

Both Panjab University and the Post Graduate Institute have issued statements emphasizing the importance of the stolen items to the heritage narrative of Chandigarh. The university noted that the furniture pieces were not only functional but also served as visual reminders of the institution’s historical milestones. The Post Graduate Institute, known for its contributions to medical research and education, likewise highlighted the cultural value of the missing artifacts. While no immediate impact on operations has been reported, the loss has sparked a broader discussion about the security of heritage assets in public institutions.

The registration of the FIRs underscores a growing awareness among civic authorities regarding the need to safeguard cultural property. By invoking the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the cases move beyond simple property theft to include potential breaches of trust and conspiracy. As the investigation proceeds, both the police and the institutions involved will likely review access logs, interview staff, and examine any surveillance footage that may have captured the removal of the furniture. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of heritage collections and the importance of robust security measures across Chandigarh’s key public establishments.

Source: Hindustan Times