A 400-year-old historic cannon stolen from Narwar Fort in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district has triggered a large-scale inter-state search operation, with Rajasthan Police conducting intensive excavations in Karauli district after intelligence suggested the artefact may have been concealed in Hindaun. The cannon, one of 14 rare pieces from the Scindia princely state era, was stolen on the night of 15 July and is reportedly valued at ₹3–5 crore on the international antique black market.

Search Operation in Rajasthan

Acting on intelligence shared by Madhya Pradesh Police, Rajasthan Police deployed more than 50 personnel to Gavda Meena village under Hindaun Sadar police station limits. The operation involved excavation at multiple sites using JCB machines, alongside a metal detector team brought in from Bharatpur. Despite digging at five to six suspected locations between 9 am and 2 pm, no trace of the cannon was found.

Hindaun Sadar SHO Girraj Prasad confirmed that Shivpuri Police had provided specific leads pointing to the village as a possible concealment site. Both state police forces are jointly investigating to determine when and how the cannon was moved across state lines.

How the Theft Was Executed

According to investigators, the operation was meticulously planned. The accused allegedly wrapped the cannon — weighing nearly 3,500 kilograms — in mattresses to prevent damage, then lowered it approximately 3,000 feet from the fort using an iron trolley fitted with bearings, before loading it onto a heavy transport vehicle. Tyre marks of heavy vehicles and drag marks discovered near the fort corroborate this account.

Investigators suspect the involvement of an organised international antique smuggling network, given the scale and precision of the operation.

Security Lapses at Narwar Fort

The theft has exposed serious security failures at Narwar Fort. Although six guards are officially posted at the site, both night-duty guards reportedly abandoned their posts on the night of the incident. During questioning, one guard admitted to leaving due to the absence of basic facilities including lighting and accommodation. Another guard confessed that an initial claim of armed robbery was fabricated, according to investigators.

Narwar SHO Vinay Yadav confirmed that a case has been registered against unidentified persons and that efforts are ongoing to recover the cannon and apprehend those responsible.

Significance of the Stolen Artefact

The missing cannon was among 14 rare cannons preserved in the open court of Narwar Fort, dating to the Scindia princely state era. With the theft, only 13 now remain. The cannons are crafted from brass, bronze, copper, and Ashtadhatu (an eight-metal alloy) and bear inscriptions in both Persian and Devanagari scripts, lending them exceptional historical and cultural value.

A joint team from the Madhya Pradesh State Archaeology Department and police has inspected the crime scene, recovering mattresses, quilts, iron pipes, and vehicle tyre marks as key evidence. Deputy Director of the State Archaeology Department Tarun Kumar Mahobia described the incident as 'extremely serious' and said both the theft and security arrangements at the fort are under active investigation.

What Happens Next

Authorities are analysing the recovered evidence to identify suspects and trace the transport vehicle. The inter-state joint investigation between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Police continues, with the search likely to expand if current leads do not yield results. The case has also prompted questions about the adequacy of heritage site protection protocols across the country.