Agniveers Ruled Out as Probe Continues into Arms Theft in Secunderabad

The Malkajgiri Police have ruled out the involvement of Agniveers in the theft of service weapons and ammunition from the 20 Madras Regiment premises in Bollarum, Secunderabad Cantonment, as investigators and Military Intelligence continue a high-security probe into the breach.

Military Intelligence joined the investigation, conducting inquiries from an undisclosed location within the defence area to maintain strict confidentiality. Even personnel at the Bollarum Police Station were reportedly not briefed on the details or current status of the probe.

The investigation follows the theft of multiple firearms and ammunition from the Army facility. The missing inventory includes four AK-203 assault rifles, an INSAS 1B1 rifle, six 9 mm Auto 1A pistols, a civilian 6.35-bore pistol, a passive night-vision binocular, and more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition.

The discrepancy was first detected at approximately 7:50 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, when personnel found the locks of the Kote and Battalion Magazine broken. The arms and ammunition had last been physically accounted for around 6:00 p.m. on August 30.

Following the discovery, the Army re-verified its weapon and ammunition records, inspected authorised storage areas and adjoining premises, and reviewed issue and receipt registers. Personnel with authorised access to custody areas were identified and questioned to ascertain how the secure premises were penetrated. Investigators are currently examining the possibility of an insider role and monitoring the movements of individuals assigned to the facility.

Meanwhile, strict security restrictions remained in force across the Secunderabad Cantonment area on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. While cantonment schools reopened, parents were directed to drop children at the gates without entering or waiting inside the defence zone. Several key thoroughfares, including the AOC and NSG roads around R.K. Puram and Marredpally, remained closed to civilian vehicular traffic.

The local CSD canteen also resumed operations under tight controls, permitting entry only to valid identity card holders while prohibiting accompanying guests.

Defence officials declined to share operational findings, citing the Official Secrets Act, 1923, which regulates sensitive national security and defence information. Police authorities have likewise maintained confidentiality, with formal communication expected from Delhi as teams work to trace the missing firearms and identify those responsible.