Patna, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested an advocate in a midnight operation in Hajipur, Bihar’s Vaishali district, in connection with an alleged illegal arms trafficking network involving sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles.
The arrested person has been identified as Sandeep Kumar Singh, alias Chhotu Lal, a resident of SDO Road under the jurisdiction of Nagar police station. He reportedly practises at the Patna High Court.
According to sources, the NIA team intercepted Singh around 1 am on Friday in Johari Bazar, where he was allegedly waiting for a vehicle arranged to help him leave the area. The team had reportedly positioned itself nearby before taking him into custody.
A car was seized during the operation and subsequently handed over to the local Nagar police. The arrest was also confirmed by the Nagar police station SHO.
Singh was arrested in connection with NIA case R.C. No. 11/2024/NIA/DLI, which concerns the alleged smuggling, procurement and supply of illegal weapons, including AK-47 rifles. Investigators are examining the network’s supply chain and the possible involvement of other individuals.
Singh had reportedly come under the agency’s scrutiny earlier in the case. During a previous search at his SDO Road residence, the NIA allegedly recovered an illegal 9mm pistol. The agency had been monitoring his activities since then.
Sources said Singh had left his residence late at night before reaching Johari Bazar, apparently anticipating possible action against him. His arrest drew a crowd of local residents to the area.
The NIA has taken him into custody for questioning as it seeks to establish how the weapons were sourced and distributed and identify others allegedly linked to the network.
Further details of the investigation and the agency’s findings are awaited.
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