After two cases of theft, Ammunition Factory Khadki in Pune begins surveying ‘black spots’, increasing CCTV network

Pune: The Ammunition Factory Khadki, in Pune has now begun surveying its ‘black spots' and bolstering the CCTV camera network on its premises.
The factory, which supplies small arms ammunition to the armed forces and security agencies, is located on a 3,200-acre site.
Two cases in the last six months have made authorities take notice — In Oct, contractual employees stole military rifles from the Varangaon ordnance factory; while last month, 22 military-grade cartridges were stolen from the Ammunition Factory Khadki (AFK). The second theft came to light on March 28, and two employees have been arrested.
"Our ongoing survey has already identified some black spots, and we have installed CCTV cameras to cover the maximum area for enhanced security and safety. More such spots are being identified," AFK's public relations officer B K Dubey told TOI. "Cameras will be installed in packaging and storerooms, and physical checks at the gates have been intensified. Visitors, including contractual and permanent employees, will have to go through mandatory intensified checks."
The factory employs about 500 personnel from the Defence Security Corps of the Indian Army for security purposes. "At present, as per our assessment and the current requirements, the existing strength is adequate. If required, we may deploy additional manpower in future," a source said.
A large number of security personnel are stationed at the two main gates, where electronic machines are present for scanning those entering and leaving the premises. Personnel also use metal detectors to frisk employees.
"We have decided to form a standard operating procedure to carry out thorough checks of each vehicle that enter the factory. It is necessary as it is relatively easy for anyone to parcel out stolen items via vehicles. This check will be intensified as hundreds of vehicles enter the campus daily," said a senior official from the security section of the factory.
Installing CCTV cameras to cover the entire factory area is expected to be a costly affair. "We will also need dedicated infrastructure and manpower to keep watch on each section and monitor cameras. At this juncture, we aim to induct advanced security equipment to strengthen our security on the campus," added the official.
Ammunition Factory, Khadki is one of the oldest ordnance factories in the country and is located in the prime location of the Khadki Cantonment Board. However, infrastructure for the peripheral zone is decades old.
"Additional measures such as the construction of a proper security outer wall, barbed wire fencing, and more watch towers need to be inducted to prevent illegal entry onto the campus. The existing peripheral security arrangements of the factory are decades old. It becomes more pertinent as intruders stole rifles from the storeroom in Varangaon last year. The possibility of such incidents cannot be ruled out here also," said a senior army officer who served as the security in-charge of ordnance factories.
Meanwhile, the officials of the AFK have confirmed that an internal inquiry has been ordered against the arrested employees. "The inquiry panel will investigate the case thoroughly and submit their reports internally for further course of action," added Dubey.
Pune: The Ammunition Factory Khadki, in Pune has now begun surveying its ‘black spots' and bolstering the CCTV camera network on its premises.
The factory, which supplies small arms ammunition to the armed forces and security agencies, is located on a 3,200-acre site.
Two cases in the last six months have made authorities take notice — In Oct, contractual employees stole military rifles from the Varangaon ordnance factory; while last month, 22 military-grade cartridges were stolen from the Ammunition Factory Khadki (AFK). The second theft came to light on March 28, and two employees have been arrested.
"Our ongoing survey has already identified some black spots, and we have installed CCTV cameras to cover the maximum area for enhanced security and safety. More such spots are being identified," AFK's public relations officer B K Dubey told TOI. "Cameras will be installed in packaging and storerooms, and physical checks at the gates have been intensified. Visitors, including contractual and permanent employees, will have to go through mandatory intensified checks."
The factory employs about 500 personnel from the Defence Security Corps of the Indian Army for security purposes. "At present, as per our assessment and the current requirements, the existing strength is adequate. If required, we may deploy additional manpower in future," a source said.
A large number of security personnel are stationed at the two main gates, where electronic machines are present for scanning those entering and leaving the premises. Personnel also use metal detectors to frisk employees.
"We have decided to form a standard operating procedure to carry out thorough checks of each vehicle that enter the factory. It is necessary as it is relatively easy for anyone to parcel out stolen items via vehicles. This check will be intensified as hundreds of vehicles enter the campus daily," said a senior official from the security section of the factory.
Installing CCTV cameras to cover the entire factory area is expected to be a costly affair. "We will also need dedicated infrastructure and manpower to keep watch on each section and monitor cameras. At this juncture, we aim to induct advanced security equipment to strengthen our security on the campus," added the official.
Ammunition Factory, Khadki is one of the oldest ordnance factories in the country and is located in the prime location of the Khadki Cantonment Board. However, infrastructure for the peripheral zone is decades old.
"Additional measures such as the construction of a proper security outer wall, barbed wire fencing, and more watch towers need to be inducted to prevent illegal entry onto the campus. The existing peripheral security arrangements of the factory are decades old. It becomes more pertinent as intruders stole rifles from the storeroom in Varangaon last year. The possibility of such incidents cannot be ruled out here also," said a senior army officer who served as the security in-charge of ordnance factories.
Meanwhile, the officials of the AFK have confirmed that an internal inquiry has been ordered against the arrested employees. "The inquiry panel will investigate the case thoroughly and submit their reports internally for further course of action," added Dubey.