Journalism of Courage
The ammunition Factory,Khadki,which supplies its products to defence forces,claims to have taken a number of steps to curb thefts of firearms from the AFK premises. Official sources said the steps were taken in the wake of three incidents that exposed the security system at the institute.
In an RTI reply to queries by The Indian Express,AFK said it has taken action against three employees involved in firearm theft. One of the employees was arrested at Nashik Phata by the crime branch of city police on October 26,2008 while selling 9 mm rounds and .38 bore. Another employee was caught along with 25 live bullets during a search operation at the gate on May 30,2008. The third employee was caught with three 9 mm live cartridges,10 quantity of 9 mm rounds and 12 numbers of 0.22 rounds while smuggling them out on May 30,2008.
Two of the employees have been suspended and court of inquiry initiated under Rule-14 of CCS (CCA) Rule 1965 for initiating major penalty proceedings. The third employee was compulsorily retired from service with effect from March 17,2010,the RTI reply said.
In the RTI reply,N P Naik,PIO and joint general manager (administration),AFK,said to curb theft incident it has taken steps like “rigorous searching” and “surprise checks” of employees at the main gate,main mustering yard,accounts gate,maidan gate and proof range. “Procurement of security gadgets like CCTV,X-ray baggage scanner,palm reader,thumb reader and heavy duty boom barrier is under way,” Naik said. He said the total number of AFK staff stands at 112. “There is no shortage of security staff,” Naik said. AFK has a total 5,659 permanent employees. “We do not have employees on contract basis. AFK does not sell the factory products outside through any private agents,” the RTI reply said.
