A theft of valuables worth Rs 70 lakh had the royals of Devgadh Baria Palace here making frantic calls to police yesterday.Antique guns, jewellery and silver utensils were found missing from the residence of former state minister Urvashidevi, a member of the royal family. Senior police officers rushed to the palace, roadblocks were set up in the entire area and all checkpoints alerted following reports about the theft. This is the first time that such an incident has taken place in the palace that has till date not appointed any security guard.It was Urvashidevi’s son Tusharsinh Jaidipsinh who found valuables missing from the palace after he woke up. He found four cupboards at the anteroom ransacked and guns lying on the floor. Devgadh Baria police was summoned to the palace within minutes and an FIR registered.According to police, six guns including three antique ones, a revolver of German make, 12 silver plates, 70 bowls, 15 silver glasses, 20 big serving bowls of silver, two silver kettles, two milk jugs, three gold rings, a purse containing diamond and ruby necklaces, rings and bracelets were found missing.‘‘The most expensive piece missing was the monogram bearing the emblem of erstwhile Baria state on a golden buckle studded with diamonds and rubies. The monogram alone is valued at Rs 5 lakh,’’ said an investigating officer of Baria police.‘‘No theft has ever occurred here. In fact, we would never lock up our doors or have any security guards in the compound. We have about 20 servants here and all are trustworthy,’’ said Urvashidevi. According to family members, the valuables were not insured but were declared to the government and wealth tax was being paid regularly.Following the incident, the Dahod District Superintendent of Police, Dipak Bhatt, rushed to the palace to assist in the investigations. A dog squad is already there.‘‘Roadblocks have been set up in several areas and all checkpoints have been alerted. We are trying our best to nab the culprits,’’ said Bhatt.Till reports last came in, a team of forensic experts were collecting fingerprints from the palace. Two policemen have been assigned on duty, too.
