In a major security breach at one of Mumbai’s high-security zones, Navy Nagar, the Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested two brothers from Telangana for stealing an Indian-made automatic INSAS rifle along with ammunition.
The accused, identified as Rakesh Dubla (25) and Umesh Dubla (22) from Elagapalli village in Asifabad district, a Naxal-affected region, were apprehended following a coordinated investigation involving the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and local police. The police recovered the stolen INSAS rifle, three magazines, and 40 live cartridges from their possession.
According to DCP Raj Tilak Roshan, the Cuffe Parade Police Station registered an FIR based on a complaint from the Navy after the weapon went missing. “The investigation began immediately, and multiple agencies were involved due to the sensitive nature of the case,” he said.
The incident took place on the evening of 6th September 2025, between 7 PM and 8 PM. Junior sailor Alok Singh (20) was stationed at Navy Nagar,when a man dressed in uniform approached him, claiming to be his senior and citing a high-level alert, the impostor instructed Alok to hand over his weapon and ammunition due to seniority, Alok handed over his INSAS rifle and 40 live bullets. Shortly afterward, it was discovered that the man had disappeared with the weapon.
CCTV footage later traced the suspects to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, from where they took a train to Telangana. A Crime Branch team, with assistance from local police and human intelligence, arrested the brothers from their village.
Investigations revealed that Rakesh, currently posted in Kerala, had prior experience working in the Navy and was familiar with security protocols. He entered the naval base using a ID card and misled Alok to facilitate the theft. The stolen rifle and ammunition were wrapped in a plastic bag and handed to his brother Umesh, who waited outside the base. Both then fled the location.
Sources confirmed that Rakesh had previously served in general duty roles within the Navy, which involved handling weapons like the INSAS rifle.
Given the severity of the case, nine investigative teams have been formed to explore every angle, including possible links to Naxal-affected regions. The FIR has now been extended to include provisions under the Arms Act. The accused are set to be produced in court, where investigators will probe their motives and any potential connections to larger networks.
