Assault rifles, pistols stolen from Secunderabad armory, Army lodges police complaint

Assault rifles, and pistols alongwith magazines and ammunition have been stolen from an Army facility in Secunderabad, police said here on Tuesday.

Following the alleged theft, the Army authorities initiated a detailed internal inquiry to ascertain the circumstances leading to the loss.

According to the FIR, five assault rifles, seven pistols, alongwith magazines (21), and ammunition for weapons have been stolen and the storage facility's door locks were found open.

Following a complaint from a Lt Col of the Madras Regiment at Bollarum in Secunderabad cantonment here, a case has been registered.

The theft was detected on August 31, 2026 at approximately 07:50 hours during opening of 'Kote and Battalion Magazine' (Ammunition storage) when the door locks were found broken.

The weapons/ammunition were last physically accounted for on August 30 at 18:00 hours. "The circumstances and exact time of disappearance/theft are presently not known."

According to the FIR, immediately on the unit authorities initiated necessary measures, including securing/sealing the area wherever considered necessary and intimation to the chain of command and other authorities.

The Army authorities initiated a detailed internal inquiry to ascertain the circumstances leading to the loss.

Re-verification of the complete weapon and ammunition holdings and accounting documents was done. Authorised storage areas and adjoining premises were searched.

"Verification of issue/receipt registers and relevant records, identification and questioning of personnel having authorised access to the storage/ custody area," was also done.

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 Army unit has said that it will provide all available records and extend full cooperation to the investigating agency.