In a significant security breach, two valuable elephant tusks were stolen from the Pangode military camp in Thiruvananthapuram. The tusks, with an estimated worth of Rs 2 crore in the international market, were housed at the Officers’ Club within the military premises. This theft has raised concerns as it took place in a highly secure defence installation.
These tusks, which were given to the Army by the state government in 1929, have been part of the unit’s heritage collection for almost a century. Their sudden disappearance has highlighted potential security vulnerabilities within the camp. The theft was discovered following a recent event at the Officers’ Club, prompting an inspection that revealed the tusks were missing.
Authorities suspect that the crime may have involved insider knowledge or assistance due to the strict security measures in place at the camp. The Poojappura police have filed a case and initiated a thorough investigation. CCTV footage from the camp is being reviewed to track movements before and after the incident, while the guest list of the party is also under scrutiny for unauthorized access.
The high international value of ivory has led investigators to consider the involvement of organized smuggling networks in the theft. Additionally, military officials have launched an internal inquiry to identify any procedural lapses that could have facilitated the crime. This incident has raised concerns about security readiness at a key military facility in the region, as efforts continue to recover the stolen heritage items.
