Punjab’s Department of Archives reported to the police that a rare and antique painting dating back to 300 years was stolen from Quila Mubarak on Tuesday.

A case has been registered at the Kotwali police station under Sections 38 and 454 of the IPC. The theft was reported to the police by one Sunil Kalia, a chemist with the archives department in Patiala. In his complaint, he said the matter came to the knowledge of the department on Wednesday, after which the police were informed and a case was registered.

It may be recalled that three rare miniature paintings had disappeared from Quila Mubarak in 2004 and no action has yet been taken to find them. The painting stolen yesterday is rare and valuable, according to officials.