In Dehradun, iconic Ghantaghar stops ticking – and police try to solve whodunnit

Speaking to The Indian Express, Kotwali SHO Chandrabhan Singh said that they are investigating the case and at present anyone with access to the tower keys is a suspect.

“We are yet to find out who did this and why. We are investigating the case,” said Singh, adding that the Municipal Corporation is also conducting a departmental inquiry at their level regarding possible negligence.

After the allegations on Tuesday, an FIR was registered at Nagar Kotwali police station on the Executive Engineer Municipal Corporation Dehradun complaint regarding the damage to the wires of the motor and flood light installed in the Ghantaghar.

The clock has now been repaired.

On Wednesday, the Municipal Commissioner, the City Circle Officer (CO), along with the forensic team inspected the spot. The double locks of the Ghantaghar control room were found in perfect condition, but the wires of the clock and flood light were found to be cut. All the valuable equipment was on the spot and no evidence of theft or forced entry was found.

The locks of the control room were found to be intact on the spot, prima facie indicating that the wires had been tampered with, which might have been done by those persons who had access to the keys of the control room.

According to the senior police officials, they have corresponded with the Municipal Corporation to conduct a departmental inquiry at their level regarding the negligence shown in the maintenance of the keys of the control room.

“The cut wires in the control room were found on the spot itself. They were neither stolen nor was an attempt made to take them away. The forensic team was called on the spot and photography and videography of the spot was done,” said Dehradun police in a statement issued.

Dehradun’s Ghantaghar, or Clock Tower, is a historical landmark built between 1940 and 1953, symbolising the city’s growth during the British era. Located at the heart of the city, its six-faced structure reflects British architectural influence. The foundation stone was laid by Sarojini Naidu, adding to its significance.