The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken serious note of the theft of 32 licensed firearms from the storeroom of Sector 8 Police Station in Faridabad and directed a statewide review of security arrangements governing the custody of weapons deposited at police stations.
In an order dated November 2, commission member Deep Bhatia directed the Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) to examine the safe custody of firearms, access to police storerooms and existing supervisory mechanisms in the wake of the incident.
The commission observed that the theft raised serious concerns about the security of licensed firearms belonging to civilians who deposit their weapons with the police in compliance with legal requirements.
The matter was brought before the commission through a complaint filed on July 16 by an advocate residing in Panchkula.
The complainant stated that the owners of the 32 licensed firearms had deposited their weapons at the police station in accordance with the law, placing their trust in the police authorities for their safekeeping.
However, the subsequent theft of the weapons from police custody indicated a serious failure in security arrangements.
The complaint also highlighted the human rights implications of the incident, arguing that if the stolen firearms were used in criminal activities, their legitimate owners could face fear, mental distress and unnecessary legal complications despite having complied with the law.
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According to a report submitted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Faridabad, a man undergoing apprenticeship training at Sector 8 Police Station was suspected of involvement in the theft.
The apprentice had been assisting in maintaining the police station's daily diary and performing duties relating to the storeroom.
During this period, he became familiar with the records and articles kept in police custody.
A police official subsequently raised suspicion about his involvement in the disappearance of the firearms.
Following an investigation and the collection of evidence, the apprentice was arrested along with 28 other persons.
The police report stated that all 32 missing firearms had been recovered from the accused and that a chargesheet was submitted before the court on August 6.
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In its order, the commission observed that citizens routinely deposit licensed firearms at police stations, particularly during elections and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, with the legitimate expectation that the weapons will remain secure.
It expressed concern that a person undergoing apprenticeship training, rather than a regular police employee, had been allowed access to the storeroom containing sensitive articles.
The commission described the apprentice's role as particularly alarming and said the circumstances raised serious questions about existing security arrangements and supervisory mechanisms.
It observed that any lapse in the custody of firearms could affect the rights and interests of licence holders while also posing a threat to public safety and law and order.
The commission emphasised that police authorities have a responsibility to ensure that weapons entrusted to their custody remain secure and are accessible only to authorised personnel.
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Bhatia directed the DGP to ensure that apprentices, trainees and other non-regular personnel are not granted unauthorised access to licensed firearms or other sensitive articles stored at police stations across Haryana.
The commission also called for necessary instructions to be issued to all police stations to ensure proper custody of firearms, restricted access to storerooms, adherence to security protocols and effective supervision.
HHRC Assistant Registrar Dr Puneet Arora said the DGP had been asked to examine the Faridabad incident from the perspective of systemic and supervisory lapses and implement corrective and preventive measures to avoid similar incidents.
The police chief has been directed to submit a comprehensive action taken report detailing the statewide review, security measures adopted and instructions issued to police stations.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration to January 11, 2027, when the commission will hold its camp court at the New PWD Rest House (B&R) in Gurugram.