Family heirloom of cricketer Ranjitsinhji stolen
By IANSMonday, January 4, 2010
GANDHINAGAR - Some family heirloom belonging to the erstwhile rulers of Jamnagar state in Gujarat have been stolen from the Jam bungalow palace, which has been lying closed, according to a complaint filed with the police Monday.
Manoj Shashidhar, Saurashtra range deputy inspector general of piolice, said the theft was reported from the Jam Palace in Jamnagar, located inside the Sir Peter Scott nature park. The palace was last visited in May 2009.
Unofficial reports speculated that a bat belonging to the famous test cricketer and late ruler Ranjitsinhji has gone missing, but there was no official confirmation.
The palace, which is largely uninhabited since the erstwhile royalty chooses to stay in villas in Jamnagar, is reported to have been burgled over a period of time.
“We have registered a house-breaking offence but the exact details of what has been stolen will be available only after Jam Shatrushalysinhji (a descendant of Ranjitsinhji), who stays in Mumbai, reaches Jamnagar,” the DIG said.
According to the police, the theft seems to have been committed over a period of time for the wooden door was found open and glass panes had been broken to enter the building. A lone watchman looked after the place but he was reported to be keeping ill health.
The first-class cricket tournament in India, the Ranji Trophy, has been named in Ranjitsinji’s honour.
The palace premises have been sealed and further investigations are on, police said.
