Ex-soldier accused of Bolarum arms theft names eight alleged accomplices

Police investigating the theft of weapons and ammunition from an Army premises in Bolarum are examining allegations that eight other people helped the principal accused. Former Army Havaldar Upputholla Mallesh allegedly told investigators during police custody that the group assisted him in stealing 12 firearms and more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition from the 20 Battalion, Madras Regiment premises. The people named by Mallesh reportedly include some security guards.

Investigators are verifying the alleged roles of those individuals, and the claims have not been established in court. The disclosure differs from Mallesh’s earlier account that he acted alone. Police are also examining his alleged motive.

Investigators believe a grievance against former superiors was the primary reason for the theft, but say he also intended to make money by selling the weapons and ammunition. According to the investigation, Mallesh was looking for potential buyers after removing the cache. Police are examining that possible sales route as part of their questioning and broader inquiry.

A Secunderabad court granted investigators 10 days of police custody beginning September 22. The custody period was due to end on October 1, when police were expected to complete questioning focused on the theft, its motive and the possible involvement of other people. The source material does not identify the eight people allegedly named by Mallesh, say whether any have been arrested or report whether the stolen weapons had all been recovered.

It also does not provide their responses to the allegations.