Inside job? Receptionist arrested in theft of historic antiques from Himachal museum
Investigations further revealed that the accused had attempted to mislead authorities by removing an exhaust fan to create the illusion that thieves had entered through that opening.
The theft happened at the Maharaja Sansar Chand Museum in Himachal Pradesh. (Express Photo) Himachal Pradesh police have arrested a 36-year-old receptionist for his alleged involvement in a case of theft at the historic Maharaja Sansar Chand Museum near Kangra Fort in the state. Rajesh Kumar, who had been working at the museum for over five years, was taken into custody for tampering with evidence and disabling security cameras to facilitate the burglary.
Over three dozen antique items, including a silver khadau (slippers), an antique revolver, and 36 silver children’s toys, were stolen from the museum on February 16.
DSP (Kangra) Ankit Sharma revealed that Rajesh Kumar had initially joined as a security guard before being promoted to receptionist.
More than three dozen antique items, including a silver khadau (slippers), an antique revolver, and 36 silver children’s toys, were stolen from the museum.
“There are five CCTV cameras installed in the museum. Three of these cameras were rendered dysfunctional, but two were still functioning, capturing suspicious activities involving Rajesh Kumar. We have identified three more suspects who executed the theft, and they will be arrested shortly. We have questioned many staff members of the museum and finally arrested Rajesh Kumar,” Sharma told The Indian Express.
Investigations further revealed that Kumar had attempted to mislead authorities by removing an exhaust fan to create the illusion that thieves had entered through that opening. He has been remanded to three-day police custody.
Ghan Shyam Chand, the museum’s manager, confirmed Kumar’s long tenure at the institution and added, “Three other employees, including a woman sweeper and her son, were also summoned by the police.”
The museum is a private institution managed by Aishwarya Chandra Katoch, a descendant of the Kangra royal family and son of former MP Chandresh Kumari Katoch. The museum, owned by the Katoch dynasty of Kangra’s royal family, houses priceless relics from the region’s history.
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