Bolarum Madras Regiment armoury theft: 4 Army personnel under probe
HYDERABAD: Investigators have zeroed in on four Army personnel as key suspects in the theft of 12 sophisticated weapons and ammunition from the Madras Regiment’s armoury in the Bolarum military zone, as reported by TOI.
Police have questioned 10 personnel from the regiment so far. Investigators are continuing to question the four suspects, but they have not revealed anything about the theft or the location of the stolen weapons.
“They are not yielding. Different psychological methods are being used to question them,” said a source familiar with the investigation.
The source said the probe had reached an “advanced stage”. “These personnel were on duty at the armoury on the night of the incident, so they are our prime suspects. We have almost ruled out the involvement of outsiders,” the source added.
Officials initially considered conducting narcoanalysis tests on the suspects after obtaining court orders. They later dropped the plan due to legal concerns over the procedure.
CCTV gaps hamper probe into vehicles
Investigators have also ruled out two four-wheelers seen leaving the armoury gate during the intervening night of August 30 and 31.
CCTV footage from entrances along different approach roads to the cantonment initially raised suspicion about the vehicles. Investigators suspected that the stolen weapons may have been moved out of the military area in them.
“After verifying this angle for two days, we concluded that there was nothing suspicious about those vehicles,” the source said.
Officials said the lack of CCTV cameras in the part of the military area housing the armoury remains a major challenge for the police and Army.
The stolen cache includes four AK-203 assault rifles, one INSAS rifle and seven pistols, along with ammunition. The theft came to light during a routine check when officials found the weapons and ammunition missing.
As of Friday night, officials had not located the stolen weapons. Authorities have kept all gates to the affected section of the military area closed and barred civilian entry.
