HYDERABAD: Army officials and Bollarum police on Wednesday found 160 electric detonators in a private venture close to the military armoury from where 12 weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were reported missing on August 30.
The detonators were found in a light green bucket at Golf Enclave. The bucket contained eight bundles, each with 20 electric detonators.
There was initially speculation that the detonators could be linked to the theft. However, Malkajgiri DCP Ch Sridhar clarified that the spot was not part of the Army premises and was located in a private venture. Police suspect the site had been used by real estate developers at least a year ago.
After receiving information, police, along with the bomb disposal team and dog squad, reached the spot and examined the articles. They found no suspicious material other than the detonators. Bollarum police seized the detonators and registered a case under Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Meanwhile, officials have been continuing their investigation into the theft of the arms and ammunition reported at the 20 Madras Regiment Army Camp on August 30. Military intelligence and police are examining CCTV footage and checking for suspicious movements.
More than 10 Army personnel who were on duty on the day of the incident and the preceding days have reportedly been questioned. Guard-duty staff and other personnel were also questioned.
Sources said Army officials were scrutinising areas near Kote and the Battalion Magazine, where ammunition is stored. During an inspection of nearby areas, a Subedar-rank officer found the detonators on private land.
Defence officials have also re-verified weapon and ammunition holdings, accounting documents, storage areas and adjoining premises. Registers and other records were checked as part of the probe. However, officials have yet to establish who stole the weapons or exactly when the offence took place.