Sikandarabad, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : A court in Sikandarabad, Telangana, has remanded former Army NCO Upputhoula Mallesh into police custody for seven days in connection with a high-profile arms theft case. The incident involves the alleged theft of weapons and ammunition from the 20 Battalion, Madras Regiment’s armory in Bolaram.
Sources indicate that police plan to question Mallesh further on Monday, following his initial interrogation. The 37-year-old is suspected of committing the theft on the night of August 30 and 31. His arrest was announced on September 11, and he was subsequently placed in judicial custody at Chanchalguda Central Jail.
During the investigation, Telangana police will share insights gained from questioning Mallesh with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and military officials to further the inquiry. Director General of Police C.V. Anand stated at a press conference that, at first glance, it appears Mallesh acted alone. However, the police are still exploring the possibility of other individuals being involved.
Mallesh, who has been linked to the theft, is suspected of having been dissatisfied with his early retirement from service, which was granted on grounds of indiscipline and health issues after 16 years of service. He joined the Indian Army in 2010 and retired on June 30, 2026.
Investigators focused on Mallesh due to suspicious activities observed from August 27 to the date of the incident. He reportedly scouted the area for the armory and broke into the facility on the night of the theft, transporting the stolen items on his motorcycle before hiding them near his home in Nagar Kurnool district.
The stolen cache included four AK-203 assault rifles, five magazines, one INSAS rifle, six 9mm pistols, and a range of ammunition, including a significant number of rounds for each weapon type. The Bolaram police collaborated with the Hyderabad Task Force and the Malkajgiri Commissionerate in a joint operation to apprehend Mallesh.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to unravel the full extent of the theft and any potential accomplices involved.
Leave a Comment