Shocking theft at Pangode Military Camp: Elephant tusks smuggled out during DJ event

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Security is so tight at the Pangode Military Camp that even a fly cannot enter without permission. However, two elephant tusks worth around Rs 2 crore were stolen from the Officers’ Mess of the Madras Regiment during a DJ party, causing embarrassment to the Army.

The theft took place on Wednesday night during a party held to celebrate the 2nd Battalion of the Madras Regiment receiving a commendation from the Army Chief on the occasion of Republic Day. Nineteen people had come from outside for catering, DJ and lighting arrangements. The celebrations continued till 3 am on Thursday. The missing tusks, which were mounted on a stand inside the mess hall, were noticed only in the morning.

After initial searches failed, the matter was reported to City Police Commissioner K. Karthik on Thursday night. Based on a complaint filed by Subedar G.S. Vinod, the Poojappura Police registered an FIR around midnight. According to the FIR, those who came in connection with the DJ party are suspected to be behind the theft. The 19 individuals were questioned, but no clear lead has been found so far. Some of them are minors.

A special investigation team has been formed under the supervision of K. Karthik, led by DCP Taposh Basumatary and Cantonment Assistant Commissioner Ajay Nath. The case has been registered under sections 331(4) and 305(e) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which carry a maximum punishment of up to seven years in prison for theft and trespass.

Army personnel also under suspicion

• Police said the two tusks together weigh over 100 kg, suggesting that more than one person was involved in the theft. They have not ruled out the possibility of the involvement of Army personnel.
• More than 100 guests attended the party, including senior officers of the military station, commanding officers of various regiments and units, officers commanding staff, and their family members. Around 300 personnel from the 2nd Madras Regiment were also present.
• There is a CCTV camera at the entrance gate, and entry is allowed only after security checks. Outsiders need prior permission to enter. The Officers’ Mess is located about 1.5 km inside the campus from the main road. Exit is possible only through the main gate, where security checks are also conducted.

Fingerprints collected
Police are examining CCTV footage for clues. Forensic experts have conducted inspections, and the Army has also launched a parallel inquiry. The tusks were kept on a special stand near a teapoy in the mess hall, along with mementoes and photographs. Fingerprints suspected to belong to the accused have been collected from the area. Fingerprints of all those who attended the DJ party are being compared.

Government gift in 1992
The elephant tusks were handed over by the government in 1992 for safe custody, with an understanding that they would be returned if required. Similar tusks are displayed at other unit centres and major offices. Six months ago, a request was reportedly made to the Forest Department seeking more tusks, but it was not approved due to a lack of central clearance.

State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar said the tusks may have been smuggled out of the state and assured that the accused would be caught through scientific investigation.