Police have arrested two men in connection with the theft of a nearly 300-year-old cannon from Narwar Fort in Madhya Pradesh, while the search for the stolen artefact continues in Rajasthan’s Karauli district. Investigators believe the historic Ashtadhatu cannon, reportedly worth crores of rupees in the international market, was transported across state borders after being stolen earlier this month.

The arrests were made following a joint operation by Shivpuri Police and Rajasthan Police, who traced the accused using CCTV footage and cyber cell inputs.

Joint Operation Leads to Arrests

According to Shivpuri Police, the investigation led officers to Karauli district after analysing CCTV footage and tracking the movements of the suspects through cyber surveillance.

A joint search operation was launched with Karauli Police in villages under the Hindaun area, including Bigoli Meena village, where the cannon is suspected to have been concealed.

Police arrested Aman, son of Mohan Lal Meena, and Tim Ram, son of Bhura Ram, both residents of Karauli district. A Bolero vehicle allegedly used to transport the stolen cannon has also been seized.

Accused Allegedly Attempted Theft Twice

Investigators said the accused first attempted to steal the cannon on July 5 but failed because of its weight.

Police said they returned on July 15 and successfully removed the historic cannon from the fort.

The stolen cannon is made of Ashtadhatu, an alloy of eight metals, and is believed to have significant historical as well as monetary value. Investigators suspect its high value in the international market may have been one of the motives behind the theft.

Probe Examining Possible Motive

Police said the investigation has also uncovered alleged links to a dispute concerning the Panchna Dam in Karauli district.

According to investigators, the accused may have planned to use the cannon as part of a conspiracy to damage the dam. However, officials said these claims are still being verified and remain under investigation.

Search teams from Shivpuri and Rajasthan Police have conducted extensive operations at multiple locations using JCB machines and metal detectors in an effort to recover the stolen artefact.

Despite the searches, the cannon has not yet been recovered. Police said efforts are continuing to locate the historic weapon and identify any other individuals involved in the theft.

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