NIA Executes Raids Across Four States in Connection with Arms Trafficking Investigation
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New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out extensive searches on Wednesday at multiple sites across four states linked to an inter-state arms trafficking investigation, as reported by an official.
The agency conducted searches at the residences of 15 suspects across 17 locations in the states of Bihar (12 locations), Nagaland (3 locations), Haryana (1 location), and Jammu & Kashmir (1 location). The 11 individuals whose locations were examined had connections to four previously arrested and charged individuals in the case RC-11/2024/NIA/DLI, according to the NIA's statement.
The statement detailed that the operations on Wednesday resulted in the seizure of a .315 rifle, 11 rounds, 3 empty cartridges, and digital devices such as mobile phones, memory cards, pen drives, among other items. Additionally, materials and tools suspected to be utilized in the manufacturing of firearms were also recovered.
Furthermore, a vehicle and a total cash amount of Rs 13,94,840 were confiscated, along with various other incriminating documents.
The statement highlighted that this case is associated with the confiscation of an AK-47 rifle and other banned weapons, which are being smuggled from Nagaland and other northeastern regions.
Bihar has been identified as a transit route for further smuggling operations to other states, as well as a destination for these smuggled prohibited weapons.
Investigations conducted thus far have indicated that the accused have been involved in arms smuggling activities for several years. The NIA continues to pursue this investigation diligently.
The NIA serves as India's specialized counter-terrorism law enforcement body, endowed with the authority to investigate terror-related offenses across state lines.
This agency is mandated to look into cases that pose threats to the nation’s sovereignty, security, and integrity.
It is also authorized to conduct searches, execute seizures and arrests, collect evidence, and maintain a comprehensive database of terrorist organizations and their affiliates.
The NIA was established following the enactment of the National Investigation Agency Act 2008 by Parliament on December 31, 2008, in response to the devastating 26/11 terror attacks that struck Mumbai, the country’s financial hub.
The agency's headquarters is situated in Delhi, and it has branches in numerous cities across India, including Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, Raipur, Jammu, Chandigarh, Ranchi, Chennai, and Imphal.
