Despite spending lakhs of rupees on security arrangements at the long-defunct carcass disposal plant in Noorpur Bet, the municipal corporation (MC) has reported theft of costly machinery and equipment worth nearly Rs 2 crore from the premises, raising serious questions over the functioning of the security system at the site.The civic body had recently approved the deployment of three security guards at the plant at an annual cost of Rs 6.38 lakh. However, unidentified thieves allegedly managed to enter the premises during the night of May 14 and 15 and decamped with heavy machinery parts, motors, electrical panels and other valuable equipment without being detected.Municipal officials said the theft appeared to be a planned operation as the culprits specifically targeted expensive machine components installed at the plant. Following the incident, the MC lodged a complaint with the police and an FIR was registered at the Ladowal police station against unknown persons.Superintending Engineer Sham Lal Gupta said the stolen machinery and equipment were insured and the matter had been taken up with the police for investigation. He added that the thieves took advantage of darkness and removed costly items from the non-functional plant.The incident has once again drawn attention to the fate of the carcass disposal plant, which has remained shut since its completion in July 2021. The project had faced stiff opposition from villagers, preventing the civic body from making it operational despite repeated attempts.Though crores of rupees were spent on the project, the plant reportedly functioned only for a few days. A related matter is also pending before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), while the MC has been exploring alternative sites for shifting the plant. Officials had earlier estimated that relocating the project would cost another Rs 2 crore.Former councillor Mamta Ashu questioned how such a major theft could take place despite security personnel being deployed at the site. She demanded a detailed inquiry into the role of guards and said it was difficult to believe that heavy machinery could be stolen without negligence or possible connivance.The theft has further exposed the poor condition of the stalled project, which continues to remain a burden on the civic body while lying unused for years.