Federal counter-terror investigators have apprehended an elusive fugitive linked to a major interstate arms-smuggling syndicate that illicitly transported sophisticated AK-47 rifles from Nagaland to Bihar. The operation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) forms part of an expansive probe into an underground trafficking network dealing in prohibited-bore firearms capable of inflicting severe damage to internal peace and order.
Late-Night Vaishali Raid Yields Vehicle and Digital Clues
The apprehended operative has been identified as Sandeep Kumar Sinha. Acting on actionable intelligence, investigators captured Sinha from the jurisdiction of the Town Police Station in Bihar's Vaishali district at approximately 10.30 pm on October 29. Official details regarding the apprehension were confirmed through an NIA press release issued on October 30. During the search operation, sleuths seized a Nexon car alongside mobile handsets, active SIM cards, and memory cards, which are now being subjected to forensic examination to trace broader operational footprints and communication channels.
Plot to Subvert Public Order and Threaten Security
According to the findings presented by the probe agency, Sinha entered into a criminal conspiracy with several co-accused to move prohibited weapons, specifically military-grade AK-47 assault rifles, across interstate corridors from Nagaland into Bihar. Investigators maintain that the primary objective behind funneling these high-end firearms into the state was to undermine public tranquility and mount a direct challenge to national security mechanisms by arming unauthorized networks.
Roots of the Probe at Murghatiya Bridge in Muzaffarpur
The origins of the current federal crackdown trace back to May 7, 2024, when local police officials from the Fakuli outpost in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district made a critical discovery. Law enforcement intercepted a cache near Murghatiya Bridge, seizing an AK-47 rifle fitted with an optical lens along with live ammunition rounds. While local police arrested four suspects immediately following the recovery, the interstate dimension prompted the central agency to step in. The NIA formally took charge of the probe on August 5, 2024, re-registering the case as RC-11/2024/NIA/DLI.
Supplementary Chargesheets and Expanding Custodial Web
As investigators unraveled the supply chain, the agency submitted multiple supplementary chargesheets before the designated court invoking sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The initial supplementary chargesheet named four individuals: Vikash Kumar, Satyam Kumar, Devmani Rai, and Ahmad Ansari. Subsequent filings expanded the scope of accused persons to include Manjoor Khan and Kundan Kumar, who is also known by the alias Kundan Bhagat. Earlier, in August 2026, the agency had secured the arrest of another key suspect, Bhairav Tripathi. Sinha's custody represents a critical breakthrough as investigators track down the remaining links of the inter-state weapons transit corridor.
