AK-47s among 12 weapons stolen from high-security Army compound in Hyderabad

Army authorities have reported that rifles, pistols and ammunition are missing from a secured storage facility at the Madras Regiment premises in Hyderabad. The breach has triggered a police investigation into access records, CCTV footage and the possibility of an insider role.The police and Army authorities are expected to examine CCTV footage and other available evidence as part of the probe. (Representative image)A security breach has been reported at the Madras Regiment premises in Hyderabad’s Cantonment area after Army authorities reported the disappearance of weapons, ammunition and other arms from a secured storage facility.According to preliminary information, the missing weapons include four AK-47 rifles, six pistols and one INSAS rifle. Ammunition is also reported to be missing from the facility.Army officials reportedly detected the disappearance on Sunday night and subsequently lodged a complaint with the Bollaram Police on Monday. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.The reported theft from a defence establishment has raised security concerns, with investigators now examining how the weapons could have been removed from a restricted area without being detected. OFFICIALS MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY, LAUNCH PROBEOfficials are maintaining confidentiality over several aspects of the case given the sensitive nature of the incident and the involvement of military equipment.Sources said access to the premises and storage areas is restricted to authorised personnel. Investigators are therefore examining the access records and circumstances under which the missing weapons were last accounted for. Police are also looking into the possibility of an insider role in the incident. However, no such involvement has been established at this stage, and investigators have not publicly identified any suspect.The police and Army authorities are expected to examine CCTV footage and other available evidence as part of the probe. They will also seek to determine when the weapons went missing and whether they were removed together or at different times.The incident comes amid heightened concerns over the security of sensitive military installations and the need to maintain strict accountability of firearms and ammunition.Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. Authorities are also working to trace the missing weapons and determine whether the theft was linked to any larger criminal conspiracy.- EndsPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 12:44 IST