Patna, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A special MP-MLA court in Begusarai on Saturday sentenced former Bihar Social Welfare Minister Manju Verma and her husband Chandrashekhar Verma to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in an illegal ammunition case linked to the 2018 Muzaffarpur shelter home investigation.
District and Sessions Judge-II-cum-Special Judge (MP-MLA) Brajesh Kumar Singh convicted the couple under provisions of the Arms Act. The court awarded seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 each under Section 25(1-A) of the Act.
The court also imposed five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 40,000 each under Section 26 of the Arms Act. However, the sentences under both sections will run concurrently, making seven years the effective imprisonment term.
The court ordered that failure to pay the fines would result in additional jail terms. Both Manju Verma and Chandrashekhar Verma were taken into judicial custody after the verdict and sent to Begusarai Divisional Jail.
The case originated on August 16, 2018, when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) searched Manju Verma’s residence at Shripur Arjun Tola under Cheria Bariyarpur police station limits during its probe into the Muzaffarpur shelter home case.
During the search, investigators recovered 50 live cartridges from a steel trunk at the residence. The recovered ammunition included different bore cartridges, including .32, 8mm, 7.62 and .303 rounds.
Based on a complaint filed by CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police Umesh Kumar, Cheria Bariyarpur police registered Case No. 143/2018 under Sections 25(1-B)(a), 26 and 35 of the Arms Act.
During the trial, Additional Public Prosecutor Ram Prakash Yadav represented the prosecution, which examined eight witnesses. The defence was represented by senior advocates Vijay Kumar Maharaj and Lalan Mahto.
Following the sentencing, Manju Verma’s lawyer moved an application citing her health condition. The court directed the Begusarai Divisional Jail Superintendent to ensure she receives necessary medical care.
The accused duo has the legal option to challenge the conviction and sentence before a higher court, including the Patna High Court.
FOLLOW NOW
