In a major breakthrough in the Bolarum arms theft case, Telangana Police, in coordination with Military Intelligence and other intelligence agencies, have detained a former Army Havildar and recovered the entire cache of weapons and ammunition reported missing from the headquarters of the 20 Madras Regiment.
The weapons were reported stolen during the intervening night of August 30 and 31, 2026, triggering an extensive multi-agency investigation into the security breach at the military facility.
The recovered cache reportedly includes four AK-203 assault rifles, one INSAS rifle, seven pistols, five AK magazines, three INSAS magazines and 13 pistol magazines, along with ammunition and a night-vision binocular.
Multi-Agency Probe:
The investigation involved teams from the Malkajgiri Special Operations Team (SOT), Military Intelligence, Telangana Intelligence and Hyderabad City Police Task Force.
Investigators examined around 16 key suspects during the initial phase and subsequently widened the probe to include personnel with access to sensitive areas, Quick Reaction Team members, outsourced workers, individuals facing disciplinary action and recently discharged personnel.
Authorities also scrutinised CCTV footage, fingerprints, forensic evidence and technical data involving more than 8.5 lakh mobile numbers as part of the investigation.
Former Havildar Identified as Suspect:
Investigators eventually identified Mallesh alias Raju, a former Army Havildar, as a prime suspect. He was discharged from Army service on June 30, 2026, reportedly following disciplinary and health-related issues.
According to investigators, Mallesh allegedly conducted reconnaissance of the military facility on August 28 and 29, identifying areas with inadequate CCTV coverage and potential blind spots.
Police allege that he subsequently entered the facility at around 11 pm on August 30 and removed the weapons, ammunition and other military stores.
The stolen items were allegedly transported initially on a motorcycle and later shifted to a Maruti Suzuki Brezza. Police further suspect that Mallesh travelled towards Achampet, at one point allegedly carrying paying passengers to make the journey appear routine.
Recovery of Entire Cache:
Investigators said the stolen weapons and equipment were concealed near the accused’s residence beneath grass and soil. The cache was allegedly moved several times during the course of the investigation before being returned to the same location.
A breakthrough reportedly came on September 10, when Mallesh was questioned in the presence of police personnel and family members. Investigators said he subsequently disclosed the location of the concealed military stores.
Acting on the information, joint teams recovered the entire cache of stolen weapons, ammunition, magazines and other equipment.
The recovery has assumed significance given the potential security implications of military-grade firearms being diverted into unauthorised hands.
Army Rejects Reports on Serving Officers:
Meanwhile, the Indian Army has rejected reports claiming that three serving Army officers were arrested or detained in connection with the case.
The Army termed such reports “factually incorrect, misleading and unverified”, stressing that claims regarding the involvement or detention of serving personnel should not be treated as established fact.
The joint investigation remains underway to determine the accused’s precise motive, establish whether he acted alone and reconstruct the complete sequence of events surrounding the theft, transportation and concealment of the military stores.
