Several books, documents and used printer cartridges were allegedly stolen from the Legal Service Clinic of the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) in Gole Market. The police are investigating the matter.
‘Found lock broken’
The Assistant Caretaker of the DSLSA procurement wing in Patiala House Courts complex had approached the police on October 21 alleging that several books, important documents, annual reports and other things were found ‘stolen’ from the office when he visited the premises on September 25.
“When two of my colleagues and I went to the office, we found the main door lock broken from the outside,” the Assistant Caretaker claimed, adding that they found a lot of things missing from the premises.
Submitting the list of items allegedly stolen, the Assistant Caretaker said it included, “nearly 10 used printer cartridges, old books and about 25 newsletters”.
The trio had gone to the Gole Market office for verification and for making a list of library books at the Legal Service Clinic.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) B. K. Singh confirmed that a complaint was received and an FIR registered.
‘Have started a probe’
“The matter was brought to us and we have started an investigation. A case under Sections 457 [lurking house-trespass or house-breaking by night in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment] and 380 [theft in dwelling house] has been registered,” he said, adding that crime and forensics teams were called to spot for inspection and CCTV footage is being obtained.
Used like a godown
A senior police officer said the property belongs to the North Delhi Municipal Corporation and was given to the DSLSA on lease, which has expired.
The DSLSA is expected to vacate the property.
“It was a functioning office but more like a godown. It is possible that officials were asked for stocktaking and filed a police complaint when they found the items missing to avoid questioning in future,” he said.
