Pistol disappears from VIP security unit,probe on

Sources said a complaint was then filed with the Crime Branch and a case registered. The security unit headquarters is on Vinay Marg in Chanakyapuri,not far from the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Crime Branch officers declined comment but police sources said a case of cheating and impersonation was registered in the first week of June.

Several officers who had drawn weapons from the armoury were questioned. The sources said the sub-inspector in-charge of the armoury,who has since been suspended,claimed innocence.

Sources said the files showed that one of the officers had handed over the weapon from the armoury. But when the officer was questioned,he denied handing over any weapon and claimed someone had impersonated him and walked away with the weapon.

Officers who conducted the initial inquiry said it appeared as if he was speaking the truth because the handwriting seemed to be different.

Sources said the Crime Branch is still conducting investigations and no arrest has been made so far. The role of an insider is not being ruled out.

Following the incident,all officers of the security unit have been asked to hand over old identity cards and carry only the latest card.

“The procedure of drawing weapons before each VIP duty has become very strict. It appears someone has misused an identity card to take that weapon and did not include his name in the register. As a result,it has become very difficult to trace the weapon,” an officer said.

The Crime Branch,the sources said,has sought the armoury records from the security unit.