Three More Arrests Likely in Armoury Theft Case

 HYDERABAD: Police are likely to make three more arrests in the theft of weapons and ammunition from the Madras Regiment’s armoury in Secunderabad, with a press conference scheduled on Saturday to brief the media. A police source confirmed that further arrests are expected as investigators probe the alleged network behind the theft.

The development follows the questioning of former Army havildar Upputholla Mallesh in ten‑day custody. Investigators examined his communications and contacts during Ganesh festivities and bandobast, and are verifying possible links with persons or networks in foreign countries, including Bangladesh.

Earlier enquiries revealed Mallesh had a criminal record, allegedly involving extortion and theft cases in Achampet and Nagarkurnool before joining the Army in 2010. He served in different states, including Barrackpore in West Bengal.

According to details from his alleged confession statement submitted to court, Mallesh received specialised training in handling weapons and armoury responsibilities, but was subjected to disciplinary action several times for negligence. Police reportedly learnt he came into contact with an alleged illegal arms dealer, Aval Dey, in Barrackpore in 2022 through Birbal Shah, and purchased a firearm for ₹10,000. Investigators are probing Shah’s alleged links with persons travelling from Bangladesh to Kolkata and whether Shah and Dey operated a wider arms network.

The statement reportedly says Mallesh began planning the theft in 2025 amid financial difficulties and was influenced by web series and videos on robberies. He conducted recce of the Madras Regiment premises several times in July 2026, and with the alleged help of a kote in‑charge and a batchmate studied CCTV cameras, lighting and troop movement.

He allegedly moved the stolen weapons in an Activa and a Brezza and concealed them at a house in Nagarkurnool before attempting to sell them through Shah to Dey.

It was earlier reported that Mallesh phoned his childhood friend immediately after the theft, saying “Kaam hogaya Bhai,” before the friend panicked and disconnected. Investigators examined the friend’s role during custody, reportedly establishing his involvement. Police are likely to show the arrests of the kote in‑charge, the childhood friend and the batchmate on Saturday.