HYDERABAD: Bollaram Police, along with the Hyderabad Task Force and SOT Malkajgiri Commissionerate, have arrested a retired Army Havildar in connection with the alleged theft of firearms and ammunition from the Kote and Magazine Rooms of the 20 Madras Regiment at Bollaram.
The accused has been identified as Uppothula Mallesh, 37, a retired Havildar of the 20 Madras Regiment, Madras Regiment. According to the police press note, he is a resident of Jangam Reddy Pally, Amrabad Nagar, Kurnool area of Mahabub Nagar district.
Theft from Army Facility
- According to police, the incident took place during the intervening night of August 30 and 31, 2026.
- Police said the accused allegedly entered the 20 Madras Regiment premises at Bollaram at around 11 pm and stole firearms and ammunition from the Kote Room and Magazine Room.
The stolen items listed in the police press note include:
➤ 4 AK-203 7.62×39 mm rifles along with 5 magazines
➤ 1 5.56 mm INSAS 1B1 rifle along with 3 magazines
➤ 6 9 mm pistols along with 12 magazines
➤ 1 Civil 6.35 Bore pistol with magazine
➤ 1 Passive Night Vision Binocular
➤ 1,156 rounds of 9 mm pistol ammunition
➤ 720 rounds of AK-203 ammunition
➤ 11 rounds of 5.56 mm INSAS ammunition
Accused Was a Former Army Personnel
- The police press note states that Mallesh joined the Indian Army in 2010 and served for about 16 years. He recently retired from service on June 30, 2026.
- According to the preliminary investigation, the alleged theft appears to have been linked to dissatisfaction over his early retirement from service.
Joint Operation Leads to Arrest
- Following the investigation, Bollaram Police worked with the Hyderabad Task Force and SOT Malkajgiri Commissionerate to identify and apprehend the accused.
- Mallesh was arrested on September 11, 2026, in connection with the case.
- The police press note states that the case was registered at Bollaram Police Station under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Investigation Continues
- The theft of firearms and ammunition from a military facility has raised serious security concerns. Investigators are examining how the accused allegedly gained access to the secured storage areas and removed the weapons and ammunition.
- Authorities are also investigating the movement and recovery of the stolen firearms and ammunition and whether any other persons were involved.
- The investigation is continuing, and further details are expected as the police proceed with the case.
Source: Bollaram Police Press Note dated September 11, 2026.
