Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Investigators Probe Havildar’s Arms Broker Meeting After Weapons Theft
Investigators are looking into weapons that reportedly disappeared from an Army unit in Hyderabad.
The weapons included rifles, pistols, and more than 1,900 rounds of ammunition.
They are studying a meeting between retired Army Havildar Upputhola Mallesh and an arms broker.
Police say Mallesh shared information during questioning.
They have used parts of a national-security law against him.
Police want more time to question him.
Several police, intelligence, and Army teams are investigating the case.
Officials say they have not yet proved that Mallesh was connected to any outlawed group.
Investigators are examining retired Army Havildar Upputhola Mallesh’s meeting with an arms broker before the alleged theft.
Police invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against Mallesh based on information allegedly disclosed during questioning.
Police are seeking extended custody to question Mallesh further, citing national-security concerns.
Investigators have not established links between Mallesh and any outlawed organisation.
Twelve weapons and more than 1,900 rounds of ammunition were reportedly stolen from the 20 Madras Regiment on August 30-31; Mallesh’s arrest was announced on September 11.
- Who
- Retired Army Havildar Upputhola Mallesh is the main accused; Telangana police, intelligence teams, the National Investigation Agency, and an Army intelligence unit are investigating.
- What
- Investigators are probing the alleged theft of 12 weapons and more than 1,900 rounds of ammunition, including Mallesh’s meeting with an arms broker.
- When
- The theft reportedly occurred on the intervening night of August 30 and 31, and Mallesh’s arrest was announced on September 11.
- Where
- The weapons were reportedly stolen from the 20 Madras Regiment at Lake Lines; the broker meeting allegedly took place at Gymkhana Grounds in Hyderabad.
- Why
- Investigators are seeking to determine the motive and examine possible national-security implications.
Security Investigation
Evidence Caveat
National-security significance
Security Investigation
Police say the case is related to national security and are seeking extended custody to question Mallesh further.
Evidence Caveat
A senior police official said Mallesh’s links with any outlawed organisation have not yet been established.
Possible motive and connections
Security Investigation
Combined investigative teams are examining Mallesh’s meeting with an arms broker and seeking to determine the motive behind the alleged theft.
Evidence Caveat
The article does not report a confirmed motive or establish that the meeting led to the weapons theft.
- Main accused
- Retired Army Havildar Upputhola Mallesh
- Reported theft
- 12 weapons and more than 1,900 rounds of ammunition
- Army unit
- 20 Madras Regiment
- Reported theft date
- Intervening night of August 30 and 31
- Arrest announcement
- September 11
- Legal action
- Provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act were invoked
- Investigation teams
- Telangana Counter Intelligence, special operations team, Task Force, National Investigation Agency, and an Army intelligence unit