A former military officer who retired two months ago has been taken into custody by Malkajgiri Police in connection with the theft of 12 firearms and more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition from the 20 Madras Regiment premises in Bolarum, Secunderabad Cantonment, Telangana.
Investigators discovered the missing weapons on August 31, after the last physical inventory was recorded at about 6 p.m. on August 30. Personnel opened the Kote and Battalion Magazine at roughly 7:50 a.m. and found the locks and storage boxes broken. The stolen cache included four AK-203 assault rifles, an INSAS 1B1 rifle, six 9‑mm Auto 1A pistols, a civilian 6.35‑bore pistol, a passive night‑vision binocular and 21 magazines. The estimated value of the stolen items is approximately ₹15 lakh.
The case has prompted a multi‑agency investigation involving the Army, Military Intelligence, Telangana Police and the National Investigation Agency. A major breakthrough came when investigators linked the former officer to the theft and he reportedly named two to three additional persons during questioning. Their involvement is currently being verified.
Police have not yet confirmed whether the stolen arms and ammunition have been recovered. Further details are expected to be released later today as the investigation continues.
