NIA Conducts Major Raids Across Three States, Arrests Four in Arms Smuggling Case

NIA's Extensive Operations Target Arms Trafficking

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed extensive raids on Thursday, apprehending four individuals linked to an arms and ammunition smuggling operation across three states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

According to an official announcement, 22 teams from the NIA simultaneously conducted searches at seven locations in Nalanda, Sheikhpura, and Patna districts of Bihar, 13 sites in Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh, and two locations in Kurukshetra district of Haryana.

During these operations, the teams seized a significant cache of weapons and ammunition of various calibers, cash exceeding one crore rupees, multiple digital and electronic devices containing incriminating data, as well as fake and suspicious identification documents.

The NIA's statement indicated that following the searches, Shashi Prakash from Patna, Ravi Ranjan Singh from Sheikhpura, and Vijay Kalra and Kush Kalra from Kurukshetra were arrested for their active involvement in a major syndicate engaged in the illegal trafficking, sale, and purchase of ammunition.

Investigations by the NIA revealed that the smuggling of ammunition was orchestrated from Haryana to Uttar Pradesh, subsequently distributing it to Bihar and other regions of the country. This case originated in July of this year when local police seized several weapons and ammunition, leading to the arrest of four suspects.

The arrested individuals were identified as Rajendra Prasad, Kumar Abhijit, Shatrudhan Sharma, and Vishal Kumar. The NIA, which took over the investigation in August under the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs, continues to pursue the case.