A cache of service weapons, including AK-203 assault rifles, an INSAS rifle and pistols, along with magazines and ammunition, has been stolen from an Army facility in Secunderabad.
According to news agency ANI, unidentified persons allegedly broke open the lock of a weapons storage room at the highly secured Madras Regiment facility within the Bollaram police station limits in Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
The ANI report said 11 weapons — four AK-203 rifles, six pistols and one INSAS rifle — along with ammunition were taken from the facility.
The Army discovered the theft and approached Bollaram Police, which registered a case on Monday. As the facility is located within a restricted defence area, police have kept specific details confidential.
According to the FIR, five assault rifles and seven pistols, along with 21 magazines and ammunition, were stolen. A passive night-vision binocular is also among the missing equipment.
Given the nature of the stolen articles, particularly the service weapons and ammunition, concerns have been raised about their unauthorised possession, movement or possible misuse.
The Army has sought urgent action to trace the missing weapons and ammunition and identify those responsible for the theft.
A case was registered following a complaint from a Lieutenant Colonel of the Madras Regiment's 20th Battalion in Secunderabad.
The theft was detected at approximately 7.50 am on Monday when the 'Kote and Battalion Magazine', an ammunition storage facility, was opened and its door locks were found broken.
The weapons and ammunition had last been physically accounted for at 6 pm on Sunday.
"The circumstances and exact time of disappearance/theft are presently not known," the complaint stated.
Army authorities immediately took measures to secure and seal areas wherever necessary and informed the chain of command and other authorities. The Army also launched a detailed internal inquiry to establish how the weapons and ammunition disappeared from the facility.
The complete holdings of weapons and ammunition and the relevant documents were re-verified, while authorised storage areas and adjoining premises were searched.
Authorities also examined issue and receipt registers and other records. Personnel with authorised access to the storage and custody areas were identified and questioned, according to news agency PTI.
The Army unit has said it will provide all available records and extend full cooperation to the investigating agency as efforts continue to trace the stolen weapons and ammunition.
