Bolarum Army Armoury theft: Military intelligence joins multi-agency probe

Military Intelligence has joined the investigation into the theft of weapons and ammunition from an Army facility in Bolarum. Police and Army authorities are questioning personnel, examining CCTV footage and checking possible security lapses and insider involvement in the armoury breach.

Hyderabad: The investigation into the theft of service weapons and ammunition from a Madras Regiment facility in Bolarum has expanded into a multi-agency probe, with Military Intelligence joining the Malkajgiri Police.

The theft, which came to light on August 31, involved service firearms, magazines, ammunition and a night vision device from a secured Army storage facility in the Secunderabad Cantonment area.

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The Army stated that five assault rifles, seven pistols, 21 magazines, and ammunition. The weapons also included AK-203 rifles, an INSAS rifle and several pistols.

The Bolarum Police and Army authorities are investigating how the weapons were removed from a restricted facility and whether the theft involved insiders, outsiders or a combination of both.

Personnel who had authorised access to the storage and custody areas are being questioned, while records, issue and receipt registers and access details are being examined.

The investigation officials are also examining the circumstances surrounding the armoury breach, including the condition of the locks and the security arrangements around the facility.

It is learnt that the weapons were last physically accounted for on August 30, while the theft was detected around 7.50 am on August 31, when Army personnel opened the storage facility and found the locks broken. The exact time and manner in which the weapons disappeared are under investigation.

The possibility of an insider role is being examined because access to the storage area was restricted.

Meanwhile, the Army has initiated a detailed internal inquiry and re-verified its weapon and ammunition stocks. Searches have been conducted in authorised storage areas and adjoining premises, while personnel with access to the facility are being questioned. The CCTV footage from the surroundings is being examined.

Investigators are now focused on tracing the missing weapons and ammunition, identifying those responsible, and determining whether any security or procedural lapses contributed to the breach

A private CCTV camera near Milkha Singh Ground reportedly captured a motorcycle around the premises at the time of the theft. Its registration number could not be identified due to darkness and headlight glare. Police are checking its possible link to the theft.

Bolarum Police registered a case based on a complaint by Lt Col Mayank Govitirkarkar and formed special teams. Army personnel with access to the armoury are being questioned. A magazine was also found near the perimeter wall, though its connection to the theft is yet to be established.

Meanwhile, the Army has ordered an internal inquiry and tightened security. Weapon stocks, records and access permissions are being verified.

A few routes through Army premises and training areas have reportedly been closed temporarily, with stricter entry checks introduced.

Investigators are examining possible security lapses. Any disciplinary action or court-martial proceedings will depend on the internal inquiry’s findings.