[CPProt.net] India: A year later, no headway in painting theft case

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

A year later, no headway in painting theft case  
 November 7, 2005
Yogindra Mohan  
 
Patiala, November 6: THE police are yet to make any headway in the case of
theft of three priceless miniature paintings that went missing over a year
back from Quila Mubarak here. 

The police is working on theories like the possible involvement of
restoration workers at the Quila. 
 
 
The police have also been looking at international smugglers who might be
involved but so far the efforts of the police have come to naught. 

The police have already questioned about half a dozen employees of the
agency which had been engaged for the restoration of the Quila in connection
with the theft of three priceless miniature paintings. 

In all about 20 employees had been issued summons by the police to appear
before it for questioning as the police believe that the employees are
involved in some capacity with the theft. 

Details about the three miniature paintings which are supposed to be worth
several lakhs have also been sent to the antique cell. 

The CBI has also been requested see if these paintings surface anywhere. 

The police have also requested the CBI to put these paintings on the
blacklist so that they cannot be sold anywhere in the world. 

The Patiala Police have decided not to question Safdar Ali, an alleged
smuggler of antiques, who was nabbed by the Sonepat Police with 34 paintings
and antiques worth crores of Rupees. 

Three priceless miniature paintings had gone missing from a painted chamber
of the 'Ranawas' building of the Quila in the walled city in October last. 

One miniature painting of Guru Gobind Singh had gone missing in 1996 and has
so far not been traced despite a detailed investigation in to the matter. 

The three paintings which have gone missing depict Gods Brahma, Vishnu and
Mahesh in various moods. 

The police continue to fumble in the dark as the paintings are yet to be
found.

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