In a major breakthrough against illegal arms smuggling in Bihar, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested absconding accused Bhairav Tripathi, also known as Master alias Guru, from Muzaffarpur district. The arrest was executed in a joint operation with local district police from Sanjay Cinema Road located in the Brahmpura police station area. An NIA team had been carrying out intensive search operations across Muzaffarpur over the preceding four days to trace his location. Upon receiving actionable intelligence, Muzaffarpur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kantesh Kumar Mishra coordinated with district police officials to lay a trap in the Sahebganj region. Investigation confirmed that Bhairav Tripathi is a native of Ahiyapur in Sahebganj and had been frequently altering his hideouts to evade law enforcement. With this operation, the total number of individuals arrested in connection with the illicit AK-47 recovery probe has reached six.
International Arms Trafficking Network and Nagaland Connection
The ongoing probe relates to NIA case reference RC-11/2024/NIA/DLI, registered at the agency's New Delhi branch following the seizure of prohibited-bore AK-47 assault rifles and live ammunition. According to the investigation agency, accused Bhairav Tripathi conspired with accomplices to establish an illegal arms trafficking pipeline transporting sophisticated prohibited-bore weapons and rifles from Nagaland into Bihar. Authorities stated that the network holds international links and aimed to disrupt public order, disturb peace, and pose a severe threat to national security. Police records reveal that Bhairav Tripathi carries a extensive criminal history, with more than half a dozen cases—including eight registered offences involving murder and Arms Act violations—filed against him across multiple police stations in the district. He had been evading arrest since the case was formally taken over by the NIA in 2024.
2024 Seizure Near Murgatiya Bridge and Initial Investigation
The origins of the case trace back to 7 May 2024, when personnel from the Fakuli police station conducted a raid near Murgatiya bridge in Muzaffarpur and recovered an AK-47 rifle lens along with live ammunition, registering Fakuli PS Case No. 19/2024. Four individuals were initially arrested during the preliminary police action. Interrogation of suspects Vikas and Satyam revealed that they sourced consignments of contraband arms from Dimapur in Nagaland to sell across Bihar. The investigation identified Ahmad Ansari, a resident of Madhuban in East Champaran operating from Dimapur, as the primary supplier of AK-47 rifles and foreign weapons. The suspects disclosed selling an AK-47 rifle to Devmani Kumar, son of a local Mukhiya residing in Mankauli under the Fakuli police station limits. Following his arrest, police recovered one AK-47 rifle, a rifle magazine, and five live cartridges based on Devmani Kumar's disclosures. Recognizing the gravity of the interstate arms syndicate, the NIA officially assumed control of the investigation on 5 August 2024.
Timeline of Charge-sheets Filed by the NIA
Following comprehensive investigative procedures, the National Investigation Agency has submitted three charge-sheets in phases before the designated court. The first charge-sheet was filed on 8 May 2025 against four primary accused: Vikas Kumar, Satyam Kumar, Devmani Rai, and Ahmad Ansari. They were charged under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Subsequently, on 20 February 2026, the NIA filed a supplementary charge-sheet against Manzoor Khan under IPC Section 120B, Arms Act Sections 25(1AA), 26, and 35, along with UAPA Sections 13 and 18. Thereafter, on 15 April 2026, the agency presented its third charge-sheet naming Kundan Kumar alias Kundan Bhagat under identical provisions of the IPC, Arms Act, and UAPA.
Ongoing Interrogation and Dismantling of Criminal Networks
Following the arrest of key co-conspirator Bhairav Tripathi, joint teams from the NIA and Bihar Police have initiated detailed interrogations. Investigators are analyzing his operational channels to identify remaining hideouts, financial handlers, and associate conduits involved in logistics. Law enforcement officials anticipate that questioning Tripathi will yield vital leads regarding the wider supply network operating between Nagaland and Bihar, potentially leading to further enforcement actions and arrests in the near future.
