Antique silver artifacts stolen from Sansar Chand museum

A theft of 14 antique silver artifacts has been reported at the Maharaja Sansar Chand Museum, belonging to the erstwhile rulers of Kangra. The burglars entered at midnight by removing the exhaust fan from the back wall. Though CCTV cameras captured two intruders, poor footage quality has made identification difficult.

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The theft, involving small yet valuable antiques, has raised concerns as similar incidents have occurred in nearby areas like Shahpur, Nagrota Bagwan, and Gaggal. However, this case is particularly alarming as it involves historical artifacts of immense cultural significance.

A complaint has been lodged with the Kangra police, and DSP along with SHO Sanjiv Sharma has inspected the site. The present head of the royal family, Aishwarya Katoch, confirmed that silver items were stolen. He also announced security upgrades, including motion-sensing alarms and an improved surveillance system, to prevent future incidents.

The museum, situated on a hillock near Kangra Fort, showcases the legacy of the Kangra royal family. It houses historical treasures like the silver throne and armor of Maharaja Sansar Chand, an 18th-century patron of the arts. Other notable exhibits include rare Mughal-era coins and even stone coins. With rising visitor footfall and a mobile guide offering historical insights, the theft has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security to protect these invaluable artifacts.