Madras Regiment Arms Theft: Police uncover wider illegal weapons network

Police probing the theft of Army weapons from the Madras Regiment in Secunderabad have uncovered details suggesting a planned operation allegedly orchestrated by former Army personnel Mallesha.

Hyderabad: The police have uncovered several startling details in the theft of Army weapons from the Madras Regiment in Secunderabad after questioning the prime suspect and former Army personnel Mallesha, during his ten-day custody.

According to sources, Mallesha, who joined the Army in 2009 had received specialised training in handling weapons and ammunition. He reportedly handled armoury-related responsibilities at several cantonments.

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Police said he had also faced disciplinary action on multiple occasions for alleged negligence in his duties. It was found that Mallesha came into contact with alleged illegal arms dealer Aval Dey alias Obi in Kolkata’s Barrackpore in 2022 through Birbal Shah. He allegedly purchased a firearm from Dey for Rs 10,000.

Police also found that Mallesha had allegedly been involved in house theft cases in the Amrabad and Achampet areas in 2007. Facing financial difficulties, he reportedly began planning the theft of Army weapons in 2025. It is learnt that he was influenced by web series and videos depicting bank and jewellery shop robberies.

In July 2026, Mallesha allegedly conducted repeated reconnaissance of the Madras Regiment premises. With the assistance of Sheshu, Praveen and Vinod, he reportedly studied CCTV cameras, lighting arrangements and the movement of soldiers before executing the theft.

The stolen weapons were allegedly transported on a scooter and a car and concealed at Mallesha’s house in Nagarkurnool district. He later planned to sell the weapons to Aval Dey through Birbal Shah in Kolkata.

Investigators suspect that Birbal Shah may have links with persons travelling from Bangladesh to Kolkata and are probing possible cross-border connections.

Police have also identified what they suspect to be a wider illegal arms network operating across several parts of the country involving Birbal Shah and Aval Dey.

The two alleged arms dealers are yet to be arrested.