Madras Regiment Armoury Theft in Telangana: Eight Arrested, Weapons Recovered

How the theft unfolded

On the night of 30 August 2026, the armoury of the 20 Battalion, Madras Regiment at Bolarum in Secunderabad Cantonment was breached and firearms and ammunition were taken [2]. The loss was noticed the next morning when battalion personnel found the locks of the Kote and magazine forced [2].

Who was arrested

The prime accused is Upputholla Mallesh alias Raju, a retired Havildar of the 20 Battalion, Madras Regiment, detained on 11 September 2026 and held in Chanchalguda Central Jail [2]. Three serving soldiers – Sepoy Konduri Sheshulu, Naik Vinod Kumar (Kote‑in‑charge) and Havildar Kucharakanti Praveen of the 16 Battalion, Madras Regiment – were also taken into custody [2]. Civilians named in the case are Mallesh’s cousin Upputholla Mallikarjun, his friend Chemmakar Niranjan, arms dealer Avi Dey (alias Obi) and broker Birbal Shaw, both from West Bengal [1].

What was recovered

Police recovered four AK‑203 rifles with magazines, one INSAS rifle, six 9 mm pistols, a 6.35‑bore civilian pistol, binoculars and over 1,800 rounds of various ammunition [2]. The cache also included three binoculars and a small number of AK‑203 and INSAS rounds [2].

Alleged motive and planned use

Investigators say Mallesh, facing financial strain after retirement and holding a grudge against former superiors, planned to use the stolen weapons for a series of bank and jewellery‑shop robberies, or to sell them to dealers in West Bengal [3]. During interrogation he stated that the agreed price was ₹3 lakh for each pistol and ₹5 lakh for each long weapon [3]. Police have said there is no evidence of terrorist or extremist involvement [1].

Legal status

The case is registered as Crime No. 207/2026 at Bollarum police station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, 1959 [2]. The investigation continues and the accused remain in judicial custody [2].

Google Trends recorded a roughly 900 % spike in searches for “madras regiment” across India on 5 October 2026, reflecting public interest in the incident [4].