Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Eight Arrested in Secunderabad Army Armoury Weapons Theft Case
Police say eight people were arrested after weapons were taken from an Army armoury in Bolarum, Secunderabad.
The theft was discovered on August 31.
The accused include retired soldier Upputholla Mallesh and three serving Army personnel.
Police say the stolen weapons and ammunition were recovered.
Reports list the pistol details differently: one says seven pistols, while another counts six 9mm pistols and one civilian pistol.
Investigators allege the group planned to sell some weapons and use guns in robberies.
Police say the alleged plan was about making money.
Commissioner B. Sumathi said no terrorist or extremist links had been found.
One report says seven of the accused were produced for judicial remand.
Police say eight people, including three serving Army personnel and retired Havildar Upputholla Mallesh, were arrested over weapons stolen from the 20 Madras Regiment armoury at Bolarum.
The theft came to light on August 31; police say the stolen weapons and ammunition were later recovered, including four AK-203 rifles, an INSAS rifle and pistols.
Police accounts differ on the pistol count: one article lists seven, while the other lists six 9mm pistols and one civilian pistol.
Investigators allege the group intended to sell some weapons and use the firearms in robberies targeting banks, jewellery shops and wealthy people.
Police Commissioner B. Sumathi said investigators had found no terrorist or extremist links; all eight accused were arrested, and seven were produced for judicial remand, according to one report.
- Who
- Eight accused, including retired Havildar Upputholla Mallesh and three serving Army personnel, according to police.
- What
- The accused allegedly stole weapons and ammunition from an Army armoury; police say the cache was recovered.
- When
- The theft was discovered on August 31; Mallesh was arrested on September 11, and the other arrests were announced later.
- Where
- The 20 Madras Regiment armoury at Bolarum, Secunderabad; police said the recovered cache was concealed at a house in Achampet, Telangana.
- Why
- Police allege the group intended to sell some weapons and use the firearms for robberies to amass wealth.
Police allegations
Accused persons' responses
Alleged conspiracy and motive
Police allegations
Police allege the group stole weapons to sell them and commit robberies for financial gain.
Accused persons' responses
The articles do not provide responses from the accused; the allegations have not been presented alongside their account.
Terror links
Police allegations
Police Commissioner B. Sumathi said investigators found no terrorist or extremist links.
Accused persons' responses
No contrary claim or response is reported in the articles.
- Accused
- Eight arrested, including three serving Army personnel and retired Havildar Upputholla Mallesh
- Location of theft
- 20 Madras Regiment armoury, Bolarum, Secunderabad
- Discovery
- The theft came to light on August 31
- Weapons and ammunition
- Four AK-203 rifles, one INSAS rifle, pistols, and nearly 1,900 or more rounds; reports differ on the pistol count and ammunition description
- Recovery
- Police said the stolen weapons and ammunition were recovered
- Alleged motive
- Police allege planned weapons sales and robberies targeting banks, jewellery shops and wealthy people
- Police assessment
- Commissioner B. Sumathi said no terrorist or extremist links had been found
- Legal status
- One report says all eight were arrested and seven were produced for judicial remand; the case is registered under the BNS and Arms Act
