INDIA COMPUTER PARTS STOLEN FROM AGENCYBARC computer parts stolenPalghar: Vital parts of a computer used in the Solid Storage and Surveillance facility of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Tarapur, were stolen from the Centre’s Operations Room.

BARC senior officials have admitted to the security lapse. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has now taken over the case.

On May 1, Umesh Dani (39), superintendent (Operations), noticed
that some computer software components were missing.

Instead of reporting this to his superior, Plant Superintendent Y Kulkarni, Dani kept quiet in the hope that the parts would be found. Finally, on May 31, he informed Kulkarni. A complaint was lodged with Tarapur police, though no case was registered.

Strangely, Dani took back the complaint telling the police that he was morally responsible for the misplacement, as he had forgotten to seal the computer after it was used. The complaint was taken back and the CISF was informed about the issue.

Confirming the misplacement, R D Changrani, chief superintendent, Nuclear Recycle Group, BARC, said the misplaced components were software material relating to the waste canister system. The software system is easily available in the market and is of little value, he said.

The software was supplied by a vendor and the computer work was handled by contractors under Dani’s supervision, he added.

The misplaced items, valued at Rs 20,000, were the central processing unit (CPU), hard disk, floppy drive and video card, among others. They have not been found.

Asked why the BARC took back the complaint on June 3 and why superiors at BARC, Trombay, weren’t informed, Changrani said the complaint was a “knee-jerk reaction” and was not that serious.

Security has now been tightened at BARC. CISF jawans now conduct thorough body searches of all personnel entering and leaving the premises.
“A majority of the work is done by contractors who have easy access to confidential matters at the BARC here. Now they too have been given limited access,” said Changrani.