Insider angle, possible honey trap under scanner in Secunderabad Cantt arms theft

An alleged insider connection and possible honey trap operation have emerged as key angles in the probe into the theft of firearms and ammunition from the Madras Regiment establishment in Bolarum. Investigators are examining personnel access, communications and financial transactions.

Hyderabad: An alleged insider connection and possible honey trap operation have reportedly emerged as key angles in the investigation into the theft of firearms and ammunition from the Madras Regiment establishment in Bolarum.

Investigators, including officials from Army Intelligence and the Bolarum police, suspect that the perpetrators may have had detailed knowledge of the military facility, including the location of the armoury, weapon storage arrangements and ammunition kept separately. The selective removal of firearms and compatible ammunition has further strengthened the insider angle.

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Meanwhile, a possible honey trap operation involving military personnel is also being examined.

Officials are also reportedly scrutinising the social media accounts, communications and financial transactions of personnel and contract workers to analyse whether anyone was approached through fake identities and persuaded to share information or assist in the theft.

They are also checking stock registers, access records and duty rosters to establish whether the weapons were stolen in a single operation or removed gradually.

Preliminary verification found four AK-203 assault rifles, seven 9mm pistols and an INSAS rifle missing from the armoury. Hundreds of rounds of ammunition compatible with the stolen weapons were also reportedly taken.

The theft came to light during a routine inspection on August 31, when officials noticed broken locks and damaged ammunition boxes.

The absence of any reported suspicious noise during the suspected break-in is also raising suspicion. Heavy rain and thunder at the time are being examined as a possible reason why the activity went unnoticed.

The probe is now focused on identifying who had access to the restricted facility, whether any insider provided information or assistance, and whether the stolen weapons and ammunition were subsequently handed over to others.