12 Weapons Stolen From High-Security Secunderabad Cantonment, Army Probe Underway

A major security breach has been reported at the high-security Secunderabad Cantonment in Telangana, where 12 weapons and a large quantity of ammunition were reportedly stolen from the premises of the 20 Madras Regiment. The incident has triggered a joint investigation by the Army and Hyderabad police, with authorities examining the possibility of an insider role.

According to the latest reports, the missing weapons include four AK-203 assault rifles, seven pistols and one INSAS rifle. More than 1,000 rounds of ammunition and a pair of passive night-vision binoculars were also reported missing from the military facility.

The theft reportedly came to light on Monday morning when Army personnel inspected the storage area and found that weapons and other military equipment were missing. The arms were allegedly taken from a storeroom within the Madras Regiment premises, an area primarily accessed by military personnel.

Following a complaint from senior Army personnel, police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning trespassing, house-breaking and theft of government property. The seriousness of the missing weapons and ammunition has prompted authorities to conduct an extensive investigation into how the security breach occurred.

Army and police authorities are questioning personnel who had access to the area and examining available security records and other evidence. Several Army personnel, including some Agniveers, have reportedly been questioned as part of the investigation. Authorities are also working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the weapons and ammunition.

The incident has raised concerns over security arrangements at sensitive military installations, particularly because the stolen items include service weapons and a substantial quantity of ammunition. Investigators are attempting to determine whether the theft involved individuals with authorised access to the premises or whether the weapons were removed through another security breach.

The Army has secured the affected area as the investigation continues. Police officials and military authorities are coordinating their efforts to identify those responsible and trace the missing weapons and other equipment.

The Secunderabad Cantonment incident comes as a serious security concern for the defence establishment, given the sensitive nature of the facility and the potential risks associated with the unauthorised movement of military weapons and ammunition. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.