Military intelligence joins Bollaram arms theft probe
HYDERABAD: The theft of 12 modern firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from the Madras Regiment in Bollaram has triggered concern in the defence establishment, with Military Intelligence joining the probe alongside the police.
While local police are investigating the case as per procedure, several military officials from Delhi have arrived in the city to examine how the theft occurred, the possible reasons behind it and its subsequent developments.
The incident took place on the night of August 30 at the Madras Regiment in the Secunderabad Cantonment. According to details provided by Army officials to the police, 12 rifles, 21 magazines, a night-vision binocular and 1,912 rounds were stolen.
The fact that several weapons were taken at once, after breaking the locks of the arms store and the boxes containing ammunition, has led defence and police officials to suspect that the theft could not have been carried out by one person as part of a one-day plan.
Investigators examine possible escape route over compound wall
According to sources, parts of the compound wall at the rear of the premises are weak, with houses located on the other side. Investigators suspect the stolen weapons may have been thrown over the wall as part of a plan and later removed from the area.
The Madras Regiment can be accessed through the Hanuman Temple, Ammuguda, Thumkunta and Bollaram sides, with security arrangements at all the gates. Officials inspected the gates and security arrangements on Tuesday.
Identity cards are checked when people enter the premises, but security checks are reportedly not carried out with the same scrutiny when they leave.
Each rifle weighs around 3.8kg and is about a metre long. Four such rifles were among the weapons stolen. The INSAS rifle weighs about 4.3kg and is also around a metre long. Investigators believe it would have been difficult to conceal and carry such weapons without attracting attention.
The stolen ammunition is estimated to weigh at least 15kg.
Officials are examining two possibilities: the weapons and ammunition may have been thrown over the compound wall, or they may have been hidden somewhere inside the regiment and later moved out when an opportunity arose.
Searches are therefore being conducted across the Madras Regiment and the Bollaram Cantonment area.
CCTV captures bike near Milkha Singh ground
The Milkha Singh ground is adjacent to the regiment and shares the same compound wall. A private CCTV camera reportedly captured a bike near the ground at 3.48am on the day of the theft.
The bike was seen arriving at speed and leaving quickly. As it was dark and the headlight was on, its registration number could not be seen clearly.
Investigators are examining whether the vehicle had any connection with the theft.
Police question suspect after dog squad inspection
Bollaram police registered a case following a complaint by Lieutenant Colonel Mayank Govitirk(ar) and formed special teams to investigate.
Police are examining whether the theft was carried out at the instigation of anti-national elements or whether someone within the staff deliberately took the weapons. The preliminary suspicion is that some personnel may have been involved.
During a search with a dog squad, a sniffer dog reportedly went towards and stopped near one of the Madras Regiment personnel. Police and officials subsequently took the person into custody for questioning.
Police also reportedly found a magazine in grass near the compound wall while searching different parts of the regiment.
There has been speculation that some personnel may have carried out the theft because of anger against their superior officers. However, the removal of firearms and ammunition has raised several questions.
Army steps up security across cantonment
Army officials have taken the theft seriously and have placed the regiment on high alert. A full internal inquiry has also reportedly been ordered.
The Army has checked the weapons, ammunition and records at the Madras Regiment. Officials with access to the arms room have been questioned and the area where the theft occurred has been sealed.
Security has been tightened across the cantonment following the developments.
Sixteen routes between Army establishments and training centres had earlier been open to civilian vehicles. These routes were closed from Tuesday morning.
Defence personnel are now being allowed inside only after checks at the gates.
Senior officers could face action over the theft. Once the circumstances surrounding the missing weapons are established, an inquiry into the role of the officers is also likely.
Experts said the incident indicated serious lapses and that the possibility of a court martial could not be ruled out.
