Two antique revolvers and one gold-plated sheath of historic sword have been stolen from the heritage Sayaji Baug Museum in Vadodara. The Museum was closed between October 21 and October 25, and was opened on Sunday.
Sources in the police department said that the theft might have occurred during the festive days but the incident came into light on Sunday morning as the curator of the museum saw broken window panes near Nepali Gallery of the museum. The curator also found two antique revolvers and a gold-plated sheath of a historic sword missing from the showcase of the gallery.
Vijay Patel, curator of the museum, immediately called the police and lodged a complaint of theft of antique relics from the palatial building of Sayaji Baug Museum — locally known as Kamati Baug Museum. The police have started investigating the case.
According to Patel, an IAS official had gifted the revolvers to the museum authorities only recently in August 2014, and the gold-plated antique sword cover was put on display of the Museum gallery since 1986. The cover was beautifully carved with designs depicting elephants on it.
The police said that they are inquiring various people as the museum was closed for the visitors in wake of Diwali festivals but security guards were on duty. The value of the stolen items cannot be ascertained because of their antique value, said that curator.