Arms smuggling case: NIA seizes cache of arms, ammunition during search in Bihar

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and incriminating materials during searches related to a 2024 arms smuggling case in Bihar, reports 24brussels. The search, conducted on October 8, targeted the residence of Sandeep Kumar Sinha, also known as Chhotu Lala, in Vaishali district.

During the operation, authorities seized a 9 mm pistol, 18 live cartridges of 9 mm, two pistol magazines, one double-barrelled 12-bore gun, 35 live 12-bore cartridges, and ₹4.21 lakh in cash. The NIA confirmed that Sinha is a close associate of the main suspect, Vikash Kumar, and is actively involved in the arms trafficking network.

This case was originally registered by the Bihar Police following the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and live ammunition. The NIA assumed control of the investigation in August 2024, focusing on the illegal smuggling of arms and ammunition from Nagaland to Bihar. To date, the agency has arrested and chargesheeted four individuals: Vikash Kumar, Satyam Kumar, Devmani Rai, also known as Anish, and Md Ahmad Ansari. Recently, another suspect, Manjoor Khan, was apprehended and is currently incarcerated at Beur Jail in Patna.

The NIA has indicated that further investigation is underway to fully uncover the extensive network involved in this interstate arms trafficking operation.