A major security breach has been reported at the high-security Secunderabad Cantonment in Hyderabad after 12 weapons, including AK-203 assault rifles and an INSAS rifle, were stolen from a Madras Regiment armoury. The incident has triggered a joint investigation by the Army and Telangana Police and has raised serious concerns over security arrangements at the sensitive military establishment.
According to the latest reports, the theft took place at the Madras Regiment premises in the Bollarum area of Secunderabad Cantonment. The missing weapons reportedly include four AK-203 assault rifles, an INSAS rifle and several pistols. Earlier reports had put the number of missing weapons at 11, but subsequent reporting has indicated that the figure is 12 as investigators continued to verify the armoury inventory.
The theft was discovered after Army personnel checked the armoury and found signs of a break-in. The incident was subsequently reported to the Bollaram Police Station, where a case was registered. Given the sensitive nature of the location and the fact that the weapons were stored inside a restricted military facility, investigators are examining how the perpetrators managed to gain access to the armoury and remove the weapons without being detected.
The case has taken a significant turn with four people being detained in connection with the theft. Reports indicate that some of those detained include Agniveers, while civilian personnel are also being questioned. Investigators are examining whether individuals with authorised access to the military premises may have played a role in the incident.
Security arrangements at the facility have also come under scrutiny. The latest reporting indicates that CCTV surveillance was reportedly not operational at the time of the incident and that only a limited number of guards were deployed. Investigators are examining security logs, access records and available CCTV footage to establish how the weapons were removed from the secured premises.
The Army and police are working to establish the complete sequence of events, including when the weapons were last accounted for, who had access to the storage area and how the stolen firearms were transported out of the cantonment. Authorities are also expected to focus on the serial numbers and identifying details of the missing weapons to assist in their recovery.
The theft has raised wider concerns about weapons accountability and security protocols at military establishments. The disappearance of service weapons from a secured Army facility is considered a serious internal-security issue, particularly because such firearms could pose a threat if they fall into the hands of criminals or other unauthorised groups.
The investigation remains underway, and authorities are continuing to question the detained individuals while searching for the missing weapons. Further details are expected as the Army inquiry and police investigation progress.