Khadki ammunition factory needs better security and CCTV surveillance, says IB

Time of India

07-05-2025

Pune: Augmenting
CCTV surveillance
network, including installation of cameras at manufacturing units and use of modern technology for enhanced on-campus security, along with stepped-up frisking at entry and exit gates, are some of the key recommendations made by Intelligence Bureau (IB) following a recent security inspection of
Ammunition Factory Khadki
(AFK).
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The inspection was prompted by recent incidents of
cartridge theft
from a high-security defence production unit. AFK is known for manufacturing small arms and ammunition, which are supplied to the Indian armed forces, paramilitary forces, state police, and exported to foreign countries.
The IB team, along with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Central Industrial Security Force, conducted the inspection last week.
"We will assess their report and take appropriate action to enhance the security on campus," a senior AFK officer told TOI.
BN Dubey, the public relations officer of AFK, said, "I will take a report from the security department on this. Till then, I will not be able to make an official comment on the matter."
In March, an AFK employee was arrested on the charge of stealing 22 military-grade cartridges used in 9mm pistols.
Last year, Dighi police arrested a person for cartridge theft. The IB has the mandate to carry out security audits of key defence establishments, including armoury factories, every five years. "The agency has recommended installation of more watch towers to cover a vast area of our campus and periphery," a senior AFK officer said. "In the past, there have been attempts by unwanted elements to enter the campus from the Vishrantwadi side," he said.
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"CCTV surveillance of areas where ammunition is manufactured is a crucial recommendation," he added.
"The IB has been recommending installation of CCTV cameras at the manufacturing units over the last few years. However, AFK has not done anything on the ground for unknown reasons. This time, in its report, it has again flagged this issue," said a senior official. "Once these sections come under cameras, any kind of untoward incident or theft will be checked at the factory level itself.
During the investigation of the cartridges case, the Khadki police failed to find out which employee stole the cartridges from the section," added the official.
The AFK is one of the oldest and most prominent ordnance factories in the country. Currently, it functions under the management of Munitions India Limited, a newly formed defence Public Sector Unit (PSU) functioning under the Department of Defence Production.
Another senior official said that the factory has taken certain measures after the theft in March. "Frisking at the gates is done meticulously. More CCTV cameras will be installed to cover maximum areas of the campus. Certain vehicles are permitted to enter the campus. Likewise, certain measures have been taken and more will be implemented in the coming days," added the official.