Overview
- The theft was discovered after locks on the battalion magazine were found broken and 12 service firearms were reported missing from the 20 Madras Regiment armoury in Bolarum; investigators say the cache includes AK-203 rifles, an INSAS 1B1, multiple pistols, magazines and hundreds of rounds.
- The National Investigation Agency has joined Military Intelligence and Telangana police in the widening inquiry and visited the cantonment to work with on-site investigators.
- Probes have focused on internal failures after officials found surveillance cameras were being switched off overnight and arms records showed discrepancies that suggest the theft may have been staged in intervals with insider help.
- Police have publicly ruled out the involvement of Agniveers while questioning sepoys, recently transferred staff and others who had access to the armoury and analysing call records.
- Defence analysts warn that untraced, military-marked weapons raise the risk of misuse in attacks or staged operations and recovery of the arms remains an urgent priority as authorities keep much of the investigation confidential.