10-day police custody for Bolarum arms theft accused, questioning from Tuesday

A Secunderabad court has granted Hyderabad police 10 days’ custody of retired Army Havaldar U. Mallesh, accused in the theft of firearms and ammunition from the 20 Battalion, Madras Regiment, in Bolarum. His questioning will begin on Tuesday (September 22).

Investigators are expected to question Mallesh about the theft, his motive and the possible involvement of others. However, the main accused is reported to have claimed that he acted alone.

An officer from Bolarum police said various agencies involved in the investigation could also question Mallesh during the custody period.

He will be questioned by the Malkajgiri police at the Bollarum police station. However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) could also take him to its headquarters in Hyderabad for questioning, the officer said.

His health, however, could determine how the questioning proceeds. Jail officials from Chanchalguda prison said Mallesh continued to have fever when he was examined on Monday evening.