Journalism of Courage
Four AK-203 assault rifles among 12 weapons stolen from high-security Secunderabad Cantonment
Various army personnel, including a few Agniveers, have been questioned.
The arms were allegedly stolen from a room inside the Madras Regiment premises. (Representative image)
Twelve weapons, including four AK-203 assault rifles, seven pistols and an INSAS rifle, have been stolen from the high-security Secunderabad Cantonment near Hyderabad in Telangana. More than 1,000 rounds of ammunition and a pair of passive night-vision binoculars were also found stolen, according to defence sources.
The incident came to light around 7:50 am on Monday. The arms were allegedly stolen from a store room on the premises of the 20 Madras Regiment. Police sources said the area is accessed mainly by military personnel.
Following a complaint by top Army personnel, police registered a case on Monday under sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for trespassing and breaking in for theft of government property.
“In view of the nature of the missing articles, particularly the service weapons and ammunition, there is a possibility of their unauthorised possession, misuse or movement,” the complaint read.
“We have started the investigation with the full cooperation of the Army regiment,” a senior police officer said.
As the theft came to light, the Army initiated a probe after closing down all entrances to the wing.
Various Army personnel are learnt to have been questioned.
According to a formal complaint registered by a senior Army officer at Bollaram police station, the theft was detected when the Kote and Battalion Magazine or ammunition storage were opened and the door locks were found broken.
Story continues below this ad
Every unit of the Army has a Kote or strongroom where all weapons are stored, secured and locked away. It is sealed every evening and opened in the morning. The seal is broken only in case of an emergency.
Verification of relevant weapon and ammunition accounting documents found that some were not available against the recorded holdings, and the locks on the boxes where the weapons and ammunition were stored were forcibly broken.
The weapons and ammunition were last physically accounted for on August 30 at 6 pm, prior to closing of Kote and Battalion Magazine.
The unit was undergoing training in a Field Firing Area in the desert sector, and only a limited rear party of approximately 100 personnel were present on the premises for essential guards and duties.
Story continues below this ad
The security of a Kote is the responsibility of an Army guard, which typically comprises eight soldiers – two Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) and six of Other Ranks (OR).
Upon detection of the theft, the unit authorities initiated necessary measures including re-verification of the complete weapon and ammunition holdings and accounting documents, search of authorised storage areas and adjoining premises, and verification of issue or receipt registers and relevant records.
Other measures include identifying and questioning personnel with authorised access to the storage or custody area; securing or sealing the area concerned, where necessary; informing the chain of command and other concerned authorities; and initiating a detailed internal investigation or inquiry to ascertain the circumstances leading to the theft.
The formal complaint at the Bollaram Police Station requested the police to register a case under the applicable provisions relating to theft or misappropriation and unauthorised possession of arms and ammunition.
Story continues below this ad
The details of missing or stolen weapons and ammunition, including registration numbers, specifications, relevant accounting documents and particulars of persons having authorised access, were furnished to the investigating officer.
State police officials declined to comment on record on the case, citing a “matter of national security”.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Live Blog
Advertisement