Theft of firearms including four AK-203 assault rifles from Army installation in Secunderabad triggers heightened security

The missing ammunition includes rounds intended for AK-203 rifles and 9 mm pistols. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES

The theft of service arms and ammunition from an army installation in Secunderabad has put the army camp area on high alert, with schools advised to conduct classes online and defense organizations issuing alerts asking personnel to remain vigilant.

Also Read: A week after, 12 firearms stolen from Madras Regiment remain untraceable

Arms

According to the FIR, 12 firearms, including four AK-203 assault rifles, an INSAS rifle, six 9 mm pistols and a 6.35 caliber civilian pistol, were reported missing from the compound of 20 Madras Regiment in Bollarum. Also missing was a passive night vision scope, 21 magazines and over 1,800 rounds of ammunition.

The reported theft prompted increased security measures in the camp area. Defense organizations have sent out alerts asking staff to remain vigilant, while schools located inside the cantonment have been advised to take classes online as a precaution.

Locks and boxes forcibly broken

The theft came to light on Monday (August 31, 2026 at about 7:50 am) when army personnel opened the Kote and Battalion Magazine where the weapons and ammunition were stored. They found the compound’s locks forcibly broken and boxes containing weapons, control stores and ammunition.

Last charged at 6pm on August 30th

The FIR states that the arms and ammunition were last physically accounted for at about 6 pm on August 30, before the Kote and Battalion magazine were closed. The exact time and circumstances under which the weapons and ammunition disappeared are unknown.

Missing service weapons include four 7.62x39mm AK-203 assault rifles along with five magazines. One 5.56 mm INSAS 1B1 rifle along with three magazines was also reported missing.

Six 9mm Auto 1A pistols along with 12 magazines were stolen. A 6.35 caliber civilian pistol was also missing along with one magazine. A passive night vision scope was among the other items reported stolen.

Missing ammo

The missing ammunition includes 720 rounds meant for AK-203 rifles and 1,120 rounds meant for 9mm pistols, though the FIR said their quantity was still being ascertained. It also contains 11 rounds of 5.56mm INSAS ball ammunition, five tracer rounds and 20 blanks. The total value of the stolen property was estimated at around 15 million crowns.

The military sought urgent police action to trace and recover the weapons and ammunition and identify those responsible.

Staff interviewed

Immediately after discovering the discrepancy, the department’s authorities re-verified the complete possession of weapons and ammunition and accounting records. They searched the authorized storage areas and adjacent areas, checked the dispensing and receipt registers, and identified and interviewed workers who were authorized to access the storage and care areas.

Detailed internal query

The affected area was secured and sealed off wherever necessary, with higher authorities and lines of command being informed. The Army has also launched a detailed internal investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the loss.

The FIR records apprehension that the missing service arms and ammunition could be illegally held, moved or misused. The police are subsequently investigating how the suspects got into the high-security premises, broke the locks and got into the storage areas.

Investigation

The possibility of involving someone with legitimate access is also being explored, although there is no conclusion at this stage. Police are reviewing security measures and the movement of staff and are expected to examine CCTV footage and other available footage as part of the investigation.

The Bollarum police registered a case under Section 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and handed over the investigation to the Detective Inspector for further investigation. Malkajgiri police said an official statement on the incident would be released in the evening.

The acquisition of weapons and ammunition is now a priority for the police and military due to the possibility of their unauthorized possession or misuse.

Published – 01 Sep 2026 12:21 IST