Mumbai Police Crack Daring INSAS Rifle Heist, Recover Stolen Weapon and Ammunition

Strategic Insights -

In a significant operation, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has apprehended two individuals, Rakesh and Umesh Dubala, from Telangana's Naxal-affected Asifabad district, in connection with the high-profile theft of an INSAS rifle and 40 live cartridges from the Colaba Navy Nagar area. The prime accused, Rakesh, had previously served in the Indian Navy as an Agniveer, stationed in Kochi and Mumbai. The brothers, who run a ration shop in their village, were tracked down using a combination of technical and human intelligence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The brothers, Rakesh and Umesh Dubala, were arrested from Yelgapalli village in Telangana's Asifabad district on suspicion of stealing an INSAS rifle, three loaded magazines, and 40 live cartridges from the high-security Colaba Navy Nagar area.
  • Rakesh, the prime accused, was previously an Agniveer in the Indian Navy, stationed in Kochi and Mumbai, before he left the service.
  • The theft was orchestrated by Rakesh, who posed as a security guard and entered the restricted AP Towers area on the evening of September 4, taking the rifle and magazines from the on-duty sailor.
  • Umesh, Rakesh's brother, waited outside and collected the stolen weapon and ammunition.
  • The brothers fled to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, boarded a train to Pune, and eventually made their way back to Telangana, keeping the rifle in their possession.
  • The theft was discovered when the original guard returned to collect his watch and found no one on duty, prompting a combing operation by the Navy and a theft case registration at Cuffe Parade police station.
  • The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has begun investigating whether Rakesh plannned to sell the rifle to Naxal groups.
  • An investigation revealed that Rakesh and Umesh arrived in Mumbai on September 4 and carried out a reconnaissance of Navy Nagar before executing the theft.

Statistics:

  • The stolen weapon and ammunition, including 40 live cartridges, were recovered by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch.
  • The INSAS rifle, valued at approximately ₹50,000 (Indian Rupees), was stolen from the high-security Colaba Navy Nagar area.
  • The brothers' plan was to sell the rifle to Naxal groups, although this has not been officially confirmed.
  • Rakesh and Umesh were tracked down using a combination of technical and human intelligence.

Sources:

  • Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd.