MUMBAI: Silver trophies won by Mumbai University and laurels earned by alumni have gone missing from the varsity’s sports pavilion. Rare awards that adorned showcases in the office at Marine Lines for over three decades have been ransacked. But as the varsity is not clear about the total loss incurred, it’s unable to file a police complaint.
The incident came to light on Monday morning when sports director Mohan Amrulev entered his cabin to find the lock of a cupboard had been picked and several pieces missing. According to sources, many were old circulating trophies, awarded after MU’s teams won a competition for three years in a row. The sports pavilion is situated on F Road in Marine Lines next to Wankhede Stadium.
A police officer confirmed that MU authorities had visited Marine Drive police station. “However, they didn’t know what was stolen. They have gone back to take stock of the items and have told us they will come back soon," he said.
MU authorities are looking for records, including photographs that may reveal details of the missing trophies. Senate member Supriya Karande, who had in meetings pressed upon the university to install CCTV cameras, said, “The university’s casual attitude has led to a huge loss of pieces of history which reflected the pride and prestige of this institution.”
Sources said the director’s cabin is usually locked, keys kept in the sports office and the key to the main door of the office is with security staff. “This showcase has not been opened since 30-40 years. But on Monday morning, we were alerted by the director that the lock of one cupboard was broken. Now, an internal inquiry is on to find what was lost,” said a source.
Aroon Tikekar, who chronicled the history of the university in The Cloister’s Pale, writes of the legends who embarked on their sporting career at MU. Those who donned the university blazer before achieving greater heights in the global arena include Adille Sumariwala (athletics) who represented India at the Moscow Olympics, Kamlesh Mehta (table tennis), Pravin Thipsay and the Khadilkar sisters (chess), and Michael Ferreira (billiards and snooker).
The legacy of university cricket can be gauged by the fact that Dilip Sardesai played for Bombay University and Sunil Gavaskar first came to light in inter-university tournaments.