Haryana Human Rights Commission orders security review after theft of 32 weapons from police storeroom

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken serious note of the theft of 32 licensed weapons from the storeroom of the Sector 8 police station in Faridabad. Following this incident, the Commission has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana to review security arrangements in police station storerooms across the state to prevent such occurrences in the future.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, on November 2, 2026, Commission member Deep Bhatia ordered the DGP to examine the secure custody of licensed weapons, access controls in storerooms, and the supervisory mechanism throughout the state. The Commission has sought a comprehensive action-taken report on this matter by January 11, 2027.

The entire matter came before the Commission following a complaint filed on July 16, 2026, by Advocate Gitanjali, a resident of Panchkula. The complaint stated that the owners of 32 weapons had deposited their arms at the Sector 8 police station in January in compliance with the law. However, the theft that occurred on May 9 has raised significant questions regarding police supervision and security.

According to a report submitted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Faridabad on October 9, a person named Monu was undergoing apprenticeship training at the police station in April 2026. During this period, he was tasked with maintaining the daily diary and duties related to the police storeroom, through which he became familiar with the documents and items kept there.

During the investigation, Enforcement Sub-Inspector (ESI) Bijender expressed suspicion regarding Monu's involvement. Subsequently, in April, Monu and 28 other accused were arrested. The police informed the Commission that all 32 missing weapons have been recovered and the challan was presented in court on August 6, 2026.

The Commission observed that granting an apprentice, who is not a regular employee of the police department, access to the storeroom raises serious questions about the security system. The Commission further stated that the theft of weapons deposited by citizens, especially during elections and the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, could diminish public trust in the police and pose a threat to public safety.

The complaint expressed concerns regarding the rights to life, liberty, and security of the person under Article 21 of the Constitution and Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It pointed out that had the stolen weapons been used in criminal activities, the law-abiding original owners would have faced mental stress and unnecessary legal complications.

Taking corrective measures, Deep Bhatia told the DGP to ensure that apprentices, trainees, or other non-regular employees are not given unauthorized access to licensed weapons of citizens or sensitive items kept in storerooms. The Commission has asked to issue necessary instructions to all police stations regarding proper custody of weapons, restricted access, and adherence to security protocols.

Assistant Registrar of the Commission, Dr. Puneet Arora, stated that the DGP has also been asked to investigate this incident from the perspective of systemic and supervisory failure and to take preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur. The DGP is now required to submit a detailed report on the state-wide review, the security measures adopted, and the instructions issued to police stations.