Hyderabad, Oct 3 (Maxim News): Malkajgiri police have arrested eight people in connection with the theft of Army weapons and ammunition from the 20 Battalion, Madras Regiment, in Bollarum.
Police said the theft occurred on August 31 after the locks of the Kote and Magazine were broken. The stolen property included four AK-203 rifles, one INSAS rifle and seven pistols.
The thieves also took 1,156 pistol rounds, 720 AK-203 rounds and 36 INSAS rounds. Three binoculars and several magazines were also stolen.
Police registered a case based on a complaint from Lt. Col. Mayank Govitirkar, Adjutant CO, 20 Battalion, Madras Regiment.
According to the investigation, retired Havildar Upputholla Mallesh alias Raju allegedly planned the theft with others. Police said he intended to use the weapons for robberies targeting banks, jewellery shops and wealthy people.
Police Recover Stolen Army Weapons and Ammunition
Police said Mallesh allegedly contacted former colleagues Sheshulu, Vinod Kumar and Praveen for assistance. The investigation found that the three allegedly helped break open the locks of the Kote and Magazine.
Police also identified Avi Dey alias Obi and Birbal Shaw of West Bengal as alleged buyers of the stolen weapons. Investigators said Obi had agreed to purchase pistols and long weapons at fixed rates.
Malkajgiri Police arrest 8 accused, including retired Havildar & buyers from West Bengal.
Crime: Major theft of AK-203 rifles, INSAS, pistols & 1,912 ammo rounds from Bollarum military camp solved.#Bollarum #MalkajgiriPolice #TelanganaPolice #IndToday #BreakingNews #Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/J29t0i3LGY
— indtoday (@ind2day) October 3, 2026
Police arrested Mallesh on September 11 and recovered the stolen property from his father’s residence in Sai Nagar Colony, Achampet. The recovered weapons included four AK-203 rifles, one INSAS rifle, six 9 mm pistols and one civil pistol.
Police also recovered 1,156 pistol rounds, 720 AK-203 rounds and 36 INSAS rounds. Three binoculars and five mobile phones were seized during the investigation.
Investigators also recovered a country-made firearm allegedly purchased by Mallesh in 2022. Police said he had obtained it through Avi Dey and Birbal Shaw while his battalion was posted in Barrackpore.
Police said Mallesh had previous burglary cases registered in Achampet and Amrabad. Avi Dey was also previously booked in an Arms Act case in West Bengal, according to police.
The investigation found no terrorist or extremist links in the case, police said. Authorities said the alleged objective was to use the stolen weapons in major property offences.
Police said Mallesh was sent to judicial remand on September 11. The remaining seven accused were arrested and are being produced before the court for judicial remand on October 3.
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