Hyderabad : With investigators yet to crack the sensational theft of firearms from the Madras Regiment armoury in Bolarum, the probe has now climbed the chain of command, with officers responsible for supervising the facility’s security coming under scrutiny.
The Major was stationed at the Madras Regiment in Bolarum when the burglary was reported to the police by a Lieutenant Colonel-rank officer on Aug 31. “Despite the thorough interrogation for over a week since Aug 31, we are unable to get any breakthroughs. “The Army personnel confirmed that the magazine was not part of the stolen ammunition, but they were unable to provide details of whom the magazine was issued to.
Police sources said the officer commanding the army unit entrusted with securing the armoury is currently being questioned as part of the multi-agency investigation. We are now questioning the officers supervising the guards, including NCOs, junior commissioned officers and the Major, since the burglary of this nature is not possible without anyone from the unit knowing about it,” a senior police officer said. Poor upkeep of armoury records is another glaring loophole observed and we are questioning the officers to find out how and why this has been overlooked,” a Malkajgiri police officer said.
They claim that information was not available in the records.
The investigation, being carried out jointly by the Madras Regiment, Military Intelligence, State Intelligence and Malkajgiri police, has so far involved the questioning of 10 to 15 Army personnel linked to guard duties at the armoury.
Investigators said their decision to question supervisory officers was prompted not only by the lack of progress in the case but also by several security lapses uncovered during the probe. These include an alleged practice of switching off CCTV cameras at the armoury during the night and discrepancies in inventory records.