NIA joins probe into Madras Regiment arms theft in Bolarum

The NIA has joined the investigation into the theft of sophisticated weapons from the Madras Regiment premises at Bolarum. Security lapses, including nightly shutdowns of surveillance cameras, have emerged, while military personnel are being questioned and communication records analysed.

Hyderabad: The mystery surrounding the theft of sophisticated weapons from the Madras Regiment premises at Bolarum in Secunderabad has deepened, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) joining the probe to check for a possible terror or extremist angle.

Even six days after the incident, investigation officials are yet to trace the stolen weapons or identify the suspects.

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On the other hand, the probe has reportedly uncovered several security lapses at the armoury or Kote.

Investigation officials also found that the surveillance cameras covering the armoury were being switched off every night between 10.30 pm and 7 am, raising suspicion.

Meanwhile, a special inquiry is now underway by the Army authorities to determine who ordered or facilitated the shutdown, as the cameras were allegedly switched off without proper authorisation.

Officials have also reportedly found serious discrepancies in the recording of arms and ammunition over the past few days, raising suspicion that the weapons may have been stolen at intervals, rather than in a single operation.

The Malkajgiri Police suspect that the theft could not have been carried out without assistance from someone familiar with the regiment’s internal security arrangements.

The NIA, Intelligence Bureau, Military authorities and Bolarum police are jointly taking up the investigation to determine whether the incident has any terror or organised crime links.

Several military personnel attached to the Madras Regiment are reportedly being scrutinised. Also, officials are questioning personnel who were on duty on the day of the theft as well as those who had recently been transferred out. Their Call Detail Record (CDR) and communication patterns are also being analysed.

Authorities are treating the recovery of the weapons as a priority, citing the potential security threat if they remain untraced.