Burglary Inside DRDO Housing Complex in Delhi Sparks Security Concerns

A major burglary inside a high-security residential complex of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in north Delhi has raised fresh concerns over the safety of government housing and residences linked to defence personnel.

Police said thieves broke into the flat of a woman scientist at the DRDO complex in Timarpur and escaped with cash , foreign currency , jewellery and other valuables worth several lakhs of rupees . The scientist had reportedly left for Chandigarh on May 15 and discovered the house ransacked upon returning on May 23.

According to investigators, the stolen items included Rs 15,000 in cash , multiple pieces of gold jewellery such as necklace sets , bangles , rings and chains , along with three watches . The total loss is still being assessed but is estimated to run into several lakhs.

The incident has triggered questions over possible security lapses inside the guarded residential compound , particularly regarding visitor monitoring and surveillance coverage. Sources said police are examining whether there were blind spots in CCTV coverage or lapses in patrol duties that may have allowed the accused to enter and exit unnoticed.

Crime and forensic teams inspected the flat, while CCTV footage from the complex and nearby roads is being scanned for clues. Police suspect the burglars may have conducted a prior recce before targeting the residence. No arrests have been made so far.

The case has also revived concerns over repeated theft incidents reported in government housing colonies across Delhi in recent years, despite heightened security arrangements. Residents of defence-linked accommodations have increasingly raised concerns about surveillance gaps, access control and emergency response systems within supposedly secure premises.

A case has been registered at Timarpur police station, and further investigation is underway.