Four Army Personnel Held in Secunderabad Armoury Weapons Theft Case

<p>Hyderabad: Malkajgiri police have taken four Army personnel into custody in a significant development in the investigation into the theft of service weapons from the Madras Regiment premises at Bolarum in Secunderabad.</p>
<p>All four persons in custody are either serving or retired Army personnel. A senior police officer associated with the investigation confirmed the arrests, saying, "We have got a breakthrough and caught some suspects. All of them are either serving or retired Army personnel, along with those who assisted them from outside. They are being questioned to ascertain the motive."</p>
<p>Police are reported to have recovered AK-47/AK-series rifles, INSAS rifles and around 1,200 rounds of ammunition from a secret hideout in Hyderabad. Officials, however, have not formally confirmed the recovery, citing technical reasons.</p>
<p>A former officer associated with the Madras Regiment is reportedly suspected of having masterminded the theft. Investigators noted from the outset that insider assistance was likely, as the weapons were taken from a restricted Army storage facility. Depending on the evidence gathered and how questioning progresses, further arrests have not been ruled out.</p>
<p>The theft came to light on August 31, when Army personnel found the armoury locks broken. Initial findings indicated that five assault rifles, seven pistols, 21 magazines and ammunition, along with a night-vision device, were missing.</p>
<p>The case has since grown into a multi-agency investigation involving the NIA, Intelligence Bureau, Military Intelligence, Army authorities and Bolarum police. Officials are examining possible terror, extremist or organised crime links.</p>
<p>Investigators have also identified several security lapses at the facility. CCTV cameras were allegedly switched off nightly between 10:30 pm and 7 am, and Army authorities have ordered an internal inquiry to determine who authorised or facilitated the shutdown.</p>
<p>Personnel with access to the armoury, including those recently transferred, are being questioned, and their call records and communication patterns are being analysed. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area, including footage reportedly showing a motorcycle near the facility around the suspected time of the theft.</p>
<p>Authorities are treating the recovery and tracing of the missing weapons as a top priority, given the serious security threat posed if the arms remain unaccounted for.</p>