Chandigarh:The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken serious note of the theft of 32 licensed firearms from the storeroom of Sector 8 Police Station, Faridabad, and directed a review of security arrangements in the storerooms of all police stations across the state. In an order dated November 2, HHRC member Deep Bhatia directed the Haryana director general of police to review the safe custody of firearms, access to police storerooms and supervisory mechanisms in the wake of the theft. The matter was brought before the commission through a complaint filed on July 16 by an advocate and resident of Panchkula. The complaint stated that the owners of 32 licensed firearms had deposited their weapons at the police station in compliance with the law, entrusting them to the police for safe custody. However, the theft of the firearms from the storeroom indicated a serious failure in security arrangements on the part of the police. Highlighting the human rights implications of the incident, the complainant submitted that if the stolen firearms were used in criminal activities, their legitimate owners could face fear, mental distress and unnecessary legal complications, despite having complied with the law.