MUMBAI: Mumbai Police have arrested an Navy seaman and his brother from Asifabad in Telangana in connection with the theft of an INSAS rifle and ammunition from Navy Nagar in Colaba, Mumbai, officials said on Wednesday.
The accused have been identified as Rakesh Duballa, a seaman posted in Kochi, and his brother Umesh Duballa.
Police sources said Umesh is suspected of having links with Naxal groups, and authorities are probing a possible motive behind the theft.
Here's what happened
The incident occurred on Saturday evening, the final day of the Ganpati festivities.
According to police, an imposter dressed in a Indian Navy uniform approached a 20-year-old junior sailor on sentry duty, claiming to be his reliever from the Quick Response Team (QRT).
The sailor handed over his INSAS rifle and 40 rounds of ammunition.
The intruder then changed into civilian clothes, scaled the compound wall, and passed the weapon and ammunition to an accomplice outside.
CCTV footage captured the suspect entering Navy Nagar, spending nearly three hours inside the residential area, and leaving undetected. Police said the intruder’s confidence and knowledge of protocols suggested familiarity with naval procedures.
“A probe is on to find out if there is any insider role,” a Cuffe Parade police officer said. A board of inquiry has been initiated to determine if the junior sailor followed standard operating procedures while handing over the weapon.
Six teams from Mumbai Police Zone-1, along with other agencies, are investigating the case. A sketch of the suspect has been created with the help of the junior sailor.
Navy officials said the theft highlighted a breach in security procedures, and measures are being strengthened. “There is no scope to hand over a weapon to any person whose name is not in the duty roster,” a Navy officer said.
The police said the case may be updated with additional charges once the investigation progresses.
S Ahmed Ali, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Mumba...
Read MoreS Ahmed Ali, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Mumbai, covers crime and related isues but sometimes he also takes up offbeat subjects. His interests: automobiles particularly bikes, and gymming.
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