The Indian Army has begun strengthening security at the Army Institute of Physical Training (AIPT) after six silver trophies valued at approximately ₹839,000 (₹8.39 lakh) were stolen from the officers’ mess earlier this year. According to officials, an internal Court of Inquiry (CoI) constituted after the incident identified several shortcomings in the institute’s security arrangements. Based on its findings, the Army has initiated corrective measures, including expanding CCTV surveillance, increasing the deployment of security personnel at vulnerable locations and reviewing access control systems across the campus.
Preliminary findings suggest that the theft is believed to have occurred between February 13 and March 15, 2026, but remained undetected until the last week of March when staff opened a display cabinet while cleaning the officers’ mess. It was then discovered that six silver trophies were missing, including several rare vintage pieces of both historical and monetary significance.
Following the discovery, the Army initiated an internal inquiry and lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Wanowrie Police Station in Pune on April 4. Both the Army and the local police are conducting parallel investigations into the incident. Officials said the theft represents not only a financial loss but also the disappearance of military memorabilia associated with the institute’s heritage and history.
During the Court of Inquiry, investigators identified gaps in the institute’s internal security infrastructure. As a result, the Army has decided to install additional CCTV cameras to maximise surveillance coverage across the campus. Security deployment is also being reinforced at sensitive locations, while patrolling arrangements are being strengthened to improve overall protection.
According to investigators, there were no visible signs of forced entry at the scene, leading authorities to suspect that the theft may have been committed by someone familiar with the premises and its internal layout. Investigators are therefore examining individuals who had regular access to different sections of the institute as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The Army has also initiated a review of procedures governing the engagement of contractual workers and civilian employees deployed in sensitive areas. Officials said background verification processes and access protocols for outsourced personnel will be further strengthened to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Wanowrie Police have collected fingerprints from civilian staff working in the officers’ mess and sent them for forensic examination. However, the forensic report is still awaited. Investigators noted that because the incident occurred within a secured military establishment, the availability of technical evidence is limited, making the investigation more challenging.
Police have also alerted jewellers and silver dealers across Pune, providing them with details of the stolen trophies and requesting them to immediately report any attempt to sell or melt items matching their description. Investigators believe this could improve the chances of recovering the stolen memorabilia.
No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police are analysing forensic evidence, employee statements and other available material to identify those responsible. The Army, meanwhile, has stated that all recommendations made by the Court of Inquiry are being implemented in phases to strengthen security and ensure better protection of the institute’s valuable historical artefacts in the future.
