E-Paper
CBI closes probe on Shimla’s iconic bell gone missing
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a closure report of its investigation in a case pertaining to the theft of an antique bell from the Viceregal lodge, now called Rashtrapati Niwas
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a closure report of its investigation in a case pertaining to the theft of an antique bell from the Viceregal lodge, now called Rashtrapati Niwas, that houses the prestigious Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS).
In its report filed on June 7, premier investigating agency said it was not able to trace the bell.
“The CBI has filed a closure report in the court. If we get some leads in case will be reopened,” CBI spokesman RK Gaur said.
The antique bell, made up of an eight-metal-alloy and weighing 30 kg, was reportedly stolen from the reception area of the IIAS on April 2, 2010.
The Shimla police first took up investigation of the case.
They filed a closure report in 2013 stating that the bell could not be traced.
IIAS then moved a court for a CBI probe into the case. In the course of its investigation, the agency then questioned more than a 100 people and also recorded the statements of 21 suspects.
“We could not find any leads that take us to logical conclusion,” said a CBI sleuth who did not want to be named. The agency had also announced a cash reward of ₹1 lakh in 2017 to any person whose clues could help locate the bell.
