In a major enforcement action against cross-border contraband smuggling, security forces in Bihar's Araria district seized 100 kilograms of cannabis and apprehended five individuals on Friday, October 9. The operation was jointly executed by the Bathnaha police and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel near the Indo-Nepal border area. Officials intercepted two vehicles used in the transit, including a Scorpio and an i20 car, along with seven mobile phones found in possession of the suspects. The illicit consignment was concealed inside three sacks placed in the rear boot of one of the vehicles.
Intelligence Tip-Off Triggers Border Interception
The successful bust came after intelligence inputs alerted law enforcement agencies about a planned movement of narcotics from the border periphery toward Bathnaha market. Forbesganj Sub-Divisional Police Officer (DSP) Rajkishore Kumar received information detailing that a white Scorpio loaded with contraband was heading toward the market, accompanied by an escort vehicle. Acting promptly on the instructions of the DSP, a joint operational team led by Bathnaha Station House Officer (SHO) Dhanji Kumar and SSB personnel cordoned off the area around Bathnaha Chowk and launched an intensive vehicular checkpoint.
Reconnaissance Vehicle and Escorted Transport Neutralised
The smugglers had adopted a coordinated tactic where a black i20 car moved ahead to conduct reconnaissance of the road, scouting for police presence to facilitate the smooth passage of the transport vehicle following behind. As the black car reached Bathnaha Chowk, security personnel intercepted it. Three occupants in the car were apprehended on the spot, while one person managed to flee the scene during the commotion.
Moments later, the following white Scorpio was stopped and cordoned off by the joint team. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 100 kilograms of cannabis packed securely in three large bags placed inside the boot. Two individuals traveling in the Scorpio were immediately taken into custody. Law enforcement teams seized both vehicles alongside seven mobile phones, which are now being forensically examined to track communication logs and handler networks.
Identities of Detained Suspects and Legal Proceedings
The five detained individuals hail from various localities in Araria and neighboring Supaul district. The suspects have been identified as 21-year-old Rauni Raj Pandit alias Ritu Raj Pandit, resident of Ward 21, Pandit Tola, Amouna under Jogbani police station; 18-year-old Abubakar (son of Samuddin), resident of Ward 20, Amouna; 21-year-old Md. Salman (son of Naim), resident of Darbhangiya Tola under Forbesganj police station; 27-year-old Afroz Alam (son of Aftab Alam), resident of Ward 12, Parsa under Balua Bazar police station in Supaul district; and 24-year-old Abu Kalam (son of Md Alimuddin), resident of Ward 9, Khera Gadhiya under Narpatganj police station.
Following the seizure, Bathnaha police registered case number 167/26 under Section 8/20(b)(ii)(C) of the NDPS Act. Investigating officials are actively pursuing leads to track down the absconding individual and uncover the wider distribution network orchestrating the cross-border consignment. Bathnaha SHO Dhanji Kumar and SSB officers continue coordinated efforts to map out supply chains operating across the border belt.
Separate Recovery from a Nepalese National in Jogbani
Parallel to the major recovery at Bathnaha, Jogbani police recorded another contraband bust during continuous surveillance across border checkpoints. Officers intercepted a motorcycle rider who was identified as a citizen of Nepal. Upon inspecting his vehicle, police recovered 4 kilograms of cannabis. The motorcycle and the contraband were taken into custody, and the individual was detained for further legal action under relevant statutory provisions.
