Hyderabad, September 22, 2026 — The investigation into the theft of sophisticated weapons and ammunition from an Army armoury at Bollarum in Secunderabad has widened, with investigators examining the suspected involvement of additional serving Army personnel alongside arrested former Havildar U Mallesh.
According to reports, a Lance Naik and a Havildar have come under scrutiny as investigators try to determine whether Mallesh acted alone or had assistance in carrying out the theft. The two personnel are currently being treated as suspects, and investigators are expected to question them as the probe progresses.
The development comes after a local court granted Bollarum police 10 days’ custody of Mallesh for further interrogation. Police are expected to question him in detail about how he gained access to the armoury, removed the weapons and ammunition, and subsequently transported them to his native area in Nagarkurnool district. Investigators also plan to recreate the crime scene as part of the probe.
The theft took place on the night of August 30 at the armoury of the Madras Regiment inside Secunderabad Cantonment. Twelve sophisticated weapons, including AK-203 and INSAS assault rifles, were reported stolen. Mallesh was arrested by Telangana Police on September 11 following a multi-agency investigation, and the stolen weapons were subsequently recovered near his home in Nagarkurnool district.
Mallesh, 37, had served with the 20th Battalion of the Madras Regiment at Bollarum. According to Deccan Chronicle, he joined the Army in 2010 and served for around 16 years before leaving service on June 30, 2026. Investigators have been examining whether disgruntlement connected with the end of his service could have played a role, although the motive remains part of the investigation.
Initial questioning had reportedly suggested that Mallesh carried out the theft alone, using his familiarity with the military station and allegedly taking advantage of limited CCTV coverage during the night. Police, however, are now examining the possibility that others may have assisted him.
According to the latest investigation, the Lance Naik under scrutiny held a supervisory role and had been on duty near the armoury a day before the theft. The Havildar being examined was reportedly posted elsewhere at the time. Investigators have not yet established what role, if any, either individual played in the alleged conspiracy.
Police are expected to confront Mallesh with the statements of the serving personnel during his custodial interrogation to identify possible inconsistencies and determine whether the theft involved a wider conspiracy. A decision on whether the two personnel should be formally charged is expected to depend on evidence emerging during the investigation.
The case has been under scrutiny from multiple agencies because of the sensitive nature of the theft from a military installation. Earlier stages of the investigation involved Army authorities, Military Intelligence and Telangana Police, while an Army Court of Inquiry was also reportedly initiated following the discovery of the missing weapons.
The latest questioning is expected to focus particularly on how the former soldier was allegedly able to enter the military facility, access the Kote and magazine rooms, remove a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, and leave without being detected.
