ArmsTrafficking – Multi-Location Raids Conducted in Nalanda to Bust Illegal Network
ArmsTrafficking – morning operation across several areas in Bihar’s Nalanda district, aiming to uncover an alleged arms supply chain operating in the region.
A joint team comprising officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Bihar Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) carried out simultaneous searches at multiple sites on Monday. The action, which began at approximately 4:30 a.m., covered nearly ten locations, including commercial establishments such as a licensed gun shop and a jewellery outlet in the Laheri area.
Coordinated Operation Across Key Locations
According to officials familiar with the development, the searches were part of a broader strategy to dismantle an organised arms trafficking network suspected to be active in Nalanda. The Laheri locality, which falls under Laheri Police Station limits, witnessed significant movement as teams examined premises, including the well-known PK Gun House.
The operation was not limited to one area. Raids were also conducted in Mirzapur village under Chiksaura Police Station and in Rammurti Nagar, which comes under Hilsa Police Station. The scale of deployment was notable, with around 100 personnel involved in ensuring thorough checks and maintaining security during the process.
Focus on Documentation and Stock Verification
Investigators have been carefully reviewing records related to firearms and ammunition. Officials are verifying serial numbers of weapons and cross-checking stock inventories maintained by licensed dealers. This step is considered crucial in identifying discrepancies that could indicate illegal diversion of arms.
Sources indicated that authorities are particularly focused on tracing the origin and movement of weapons that may have been circulated outside legal channels. Any irregularities found during the verification process are expected to form the basis for further legal action.
Secrecy Maintained for Operational Security
To prevent any potential leaks or interference, prior information about the raids was not shared widely, even with some local police units. This approach allowed the agencies to carry out the operation with minimal disruption and ensured that suspects did not get advance warning.
The sudden and extensive nature of the searches created a sense of curiosity among residents, many of whom gathered near the sites to observe the developments. However, officials maintained strict control over access to the locations being investigated.
Previous Investigations in the Same Region
This is not the first time Nalanda has come under scrutiny for suspected arms-related activities. The NIA had conducted similar operations in December last year, focusing on areas such as Baradari and regions under Bhagwanbigha Police Station. During that phase, individuals including Md. Parvez and Rajendra Yadav were questioned as part of the inquiry.
Earlier, in June 2025, a significant recovery operation in the district had revealed the extent of the issue. Authorities had seized 717 cartridges from a rented accommodation linked to Abhijit Kumar in Asha Nagar, under Sohsarai Police Station. In a separate instance, 117 cartridges were recovered from a residence in the Bhagwanbigha area.
Growing Concern Over Illegal Arms Activity
The repeated actions by central and state agencies suggest ongoing concerns regarding illegal arms circulation in Nalanda and nearby regions. Investigators believe that such networks, if left unchecked, could pose serious law and order challenges.
Officials have not yet released detailed findings from the current raids, but further disclosures are expected once the verification process is complete. The agencies have indicated that legal proceedings will follow if evidence of unlawful activities is confirmed.
The situation continues to be monitored closely, with additional steps likely depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.