In a daring heist, a group of 25 to 30 armed miscreants stole a priceless 500-year-old Ashtadhatu cannon, also known as “Tope” in Hindi, from the historic Narwar Fort in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. The incident, occurring between July 15 and 16, has raised concerns about heritage security, with suspicions of involvement by an international gang of antique smugglers. The stolen cannon, weighing around 3,000 kg and dating back to the Scindia dynasty, was one of 14 historic cannons displayed in the fort’s court complex.
Under the cover of darkness, the thieves executed a well-planned operation, entering the fort through a rear route with loading vehicles like cranes and trucks to transport the heavy artifact. The security guard on duty during the theft mentioned that the thieves outnumbered and outgunned them, carrying modern firearms while the security staff had only traditional weapons. Insufficient lighting and lack of basic equipment hindered any effective resistance, leading to the successful theft of the valuable cannon. Suspicious activities had been reported around the fort 12 days prior to the incident, intensifying criticism of the authorities.
Crafted from an alloy of eight metals, the stolen Ashtadhatu cannon held immense historical and cultural significance, representing a loss not just of a valuable artifact but also a blow to the state’s rich heritage. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation focusing on a well-organized international smuggling network, examining CCTV footage, vehicle movements, and possible local connections that may have facilitated the operation. Efforts are underway to apprehend the miscreants responsible for the theft.
