The Chandigarh Police has decided to auction unclaimed seized items lying in police malkhanas for up to 27 years. Many of these items belong to cases that ended long ago. Courts delivered verdicts, and sentences were completed. Yet, no one came forward to reclaim the property.
Police officials said the seized goods include old Nokia mobile phones, floppy disks, laptops, gas cylinders, utensils, buckets, and scooter spare parts. Sector-17 police station stores most of these items. Due to prolonged storage, space shortages have now emerged in the malkhanas.
The police have issued a public notice asking owners to claim their belongings within one month. Officials warned that failure to do so will lead to auction under legal provisions. After the auction, authorities will not accept any claims or objections.
Legal experts cited two main reasons for the delay. Many owners came from other states and considered the items low in value. Others remained unaware that they could reclaim seized goods after case disposal.
Police confirmed that the items relate to cases under theft, fraud, NDPS, copyright violations, immigration laws, and road accidents. Some accused were acquitted, some cases went untraced, and some accused died.
Earlier, Chandigarh Police cleared seized vehicles following court directions. The current move follows the same legal process.
