New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency on Thursday conducted extensive searches in Haryana, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh as part of its investigation into an ongoing case of illegal ammunition smuggling. The network allegedly procured weapons from Uttar Pradesh and transported them to various parts of Bihar.
According to NIA officials, coordinated raids were conducted at 22 locations linked to several suspects accused of buying and transporting illegal ammunition. The searches were part of the agency's investigation, which was registered earlier this year under case number RC-01/2025/NIA/PAT to bust a well-organised criminal syndicate.
Teams of NIA personnel, in collaboration with local police forces, conducted simultaneous searches of residences, storage facilities and business premises believed to be used by persons associated with this smuggling racket. The raids were still ongoing as of Thursday morning.
Officials said that digital devices, incriminating documents, financial records and other materials related to the investigation are being examined and seized if necessary. Preliminary investigation suggests that the group under surveillance may have links with illegal suppliers, middlemen and arms operators operating across the state borders, which highlights concerns about a growing underground supply chain of ammunition to criminal elements and organised gangs in Bihar.
The NIA is also probing whether this network has any links with extremist or insurgent groups, although officials are yet to confirm this possibility.
A senior official said the aim of the raid is to collect evidence, track the money trail and identify all the individuals involved, including those financing the operations or facilitating the movement of illegal ammunition.