Patna, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested an absconding accused in a sophisticated arms smuggling case involving AK-47 rifles, marking a significant breakthrough in its ongoing investigation into an alleged interstate weapons supply network linked to Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district.
According to an agency statement issued on Friday, the accused, identified as Sandeep Kumar Sinha, son of Ashok Kumar Sinha and a resident of Maksadpura in Hajipur, Vaishali district, was apprehended on Thursday night within the jurisdiction of Vaishali Town Police Station.
During the operation, the NIA seized a Nexon car, mobile phones, SIM cards and memory cards. Investigators believe these items could provide crucial leads regarding the accused’s activities and contacts within the alleged smuggling network.
With Sinha’s arrest, the total number of accused apprehended in the case has risen to six.
The agency alleged that Sinha had conspired with other accused to smuggle prohibited-bore sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 assault rifles, from Nagaland to Bihar.
According to the NIA, the alleged illegal arms trafficking network posed a serious threat to public safety and national security. The agency said the conspiracy had the potential to disrupt public peace and law and order.
The case, registered as RC-11/2024/NIA/DLI on August 5, 2024, originated from Fakuli Police Station Case No. 19/2024, dated May 7, 2024. The investigation began after an AK-47 rifle fitted with a lens, along with live ammunition, was recovered near Murghatiya Bridge within the jurisdiction of Fakuli police station in Muzaffarpur district.
During the investigation, the NIA filed three supplementary charge sheets under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Earlier, the agency had arrested Bhairav Tripathi and Karamullah in August this year.
Further investigation is underway, the NIA said.
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