BENGALURU: Security guards at the premier Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on CV Raman Road were exposed yet again on Saturday. A gang of unidentified men managed to sneak into the high security zone close to Aranya Bhavan, tied up two security guards and carted away some sandalwood logs. The incident took place in the early hours and is seen as a major security breach, especially after the terror attack in 2005.
Sadashivanagar police have launched a manhunt for the accused who are believed to be Tamil Nadu and are habitual offenders.
The police said that two security guards had lit a fire in a corner to beat the chill when the accused barged into the premises. They assaulted the guards with weapons and threatened them to be quiet. Subsequently, they chopped down a sandalwood tree, loaded the logs into a vehicle and escaped. Security guards somehow managed to free themselves and complained to the police.
Sources said that the police declined to register a case as IISc authorities have constantly ignored the security concerns despite four similar incidents taking place in the past. Guards are unarmed here and there is no CCTV around the sensitive area.
“We have other cases to investigate too. There is lack of security measures on the IISc premises. Last Sunday, we had a meeting with the authorities to beef up security at IISc and they agreed. We have instructed the senior IISc officials to hire armed personnel from Central government, instead of seeking help from local security agencies,” a senior police officer said.
“Gang seems to have planned the theft well in advance. We have got enough clues about the accused and efforts are on to nab them,” he added.
When contacted, IISc director Anurag Kumar told Express: “I am not the authorised person to speak on the incident. There are officials who manage the security arrangements on the premises.”