The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a practising advocate of the Patna High Court during a midnight operation in Hajipur, Vaishali district, Bihar, in connection with an alleged arms smuggling and supply network involving sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles. The operation, conducted in the early hours of 30 October 2026, marks a significant escalation in the agency's investigation into an illegal weapons trafficking ring.

The Midnight Arrest

The arrested individual has been identified as Sandeep Kumar Singh, alias Chhotu Lal, a resident of SDO Road under the jurisdiction of Nagar police station in Hajipur. According to reports, the NIA team apprehended him at approximately 1 am in Johari Bazar after surrounding him on the main road. Sources indicate he had reportedly left his residence late at night and was allegedly waiting for a vehicle that had been arranged to facilitate his departure from the area when the agency intercepted him.

A car was also seized at the spot and subsequently handed over to the local Nagar police station. The arrest was confirmed by the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Nagar police station. The operation drew significant attention, with local residents gathering at the scene after news of the midnight arrest spread through the area.

The NIA Case and Charges

The arrest was made in connection with NIA case R.C. No. 11/2024/NIA/DLI, which pertains to the alleged smuggling, procurement, and supply of illegal weapons, including AK-47 rifles. Investigators are working to establish the full supply chain, identify other individuals connected with the operation, and determine their respective roles in the network.

This is not the first time Sandeep Kumar Singh had come under the agency's scanner in this case. During an earlier raid at his residence on SDO Road, the NIA allegedly recovered an illegal 9mm pistol. The agency had reportedly been monitoring his movements since that raid.

Significance of the Arrest

The involvement of a practising High Court advocate in an arms trafficking investigation adds a notable dimension to the case. It underscores the NIA's assertion that the network allegedly linked to sourcing and distributing sophisticated weapons may extend beyond conventional criminal circles. Notably, the case number — registered in 2024 — suggests the probe has been ongoing for over two years before this arrest.

This comes amid heightened scrutiny of illegal arms networks in Bihar and neighbouring states, where trafficking of sophisticated weapons has been flagged by central agencies as a growing security concern.

What Investigators Are Looking For

The NIA has taken Singh into custody for questioning and is seeking to map the broader network behind the alleged supply chain. Investigators are reportedly focused on identifying procurement sources, distribution channels, and any other individuals playing a role in the operation. Further details of the agency's findings are awaited as the investigation progresses.