AK-47s, pistols stolen from Army's Madras Regiment premises in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: In a major security breach, eleven weapons, including four AK-47 assault rifles, six pistols, and one Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) rifle, alongside live ammunition, were stolen from the Madras Regiment premises in the Secunderabad Cantonment area of Hyderabad. As per media reports, the theft came to light late on Sunday night when Army personnel noticed that the lock of a weapons storage room had been broken open and the inventory removed. Following internal verification, military officials formally lodged a complaint on Monday morning at the Bollarum Police Station, prompting local law enforcement to register a case and initiate an immediate investigation.

Suspected Insider Involvement and Multi-Person Heist

Given the stringent entry protocols at the military facility, investigating officers suspect that individuals familiar with the layout played a key role in the heist. Entry to the Madras Regiment section is tightly monitored across four security gates and restricted strictly to authorised personnel. Police officers noted that due to the considerable weight and quantity of the stolen firearms, more than one person likely executed the theft.

Joint Investigation and Intensive CCTV Review

Senior officials from the Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate have joined Army authorities to launch a comprehensive joint probe into the incident. Police and military investigators are reviewing surrounding CCTV footage, auditing security duty rosters, and questioning personnel stationed near the storage unit. Authorities are also investigating whether the stolen firearms were smuggled out of the cantonment immediately or temporarily hidden in nearby surroundings. The incident has triggered widespread concern across defence establishments, with military leadership initiating an internal inquiry to investigate the systemic security lapses that permitted the breach.