Patna, Feb 20 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted a supplementary chargesheet against a fifth defendant related to the 2024 AK-47 rifle confiscation case in Bihar, intensifying its inquiry into a suspected illegal arms smuggling operation associated with extremist and criminal factions.

The individual, named Manjoor Khan, hailing from Muzaffarpur district, was apprehended by the NIA in August 2025 as part of the ongoing investigation.

The NIA's findings indicate that Khan was significantly engaged in the unlawful acquisition, transport, and smuggling of prohibited bore firearms, including AK-47 rifles, allegedly aimed at supplying Naxalite groups and other criminal organizations.

The agency reported that Khan collaborated with other accused individuals as part of a structured arms smuggling network operating throughout Bihar and nearby areas, facilitating the transit and distribution of advanced weaponry.

After a thorough investigation, the NIA has charged Khan under applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The supplementary chargesheet was presented to the designated NIA Special Court in Patna, as stated by officials.

Previously, in May 2025, the NIA had filed chargesheets against four other accused individuals — Vikash Kumar, Devmani Rai, Satyam Kumar, and Ahmad Ansari — concerning the same case.

This case initially emerged when the Bihar Police confiscated an AK-47 rifle along with a telescopic sight, leading to the discovery of a suspected illegal arms procurement and distribution network.

The NIA later assumed control of the investigation and has been delving into the broader conspiracy relating to the procurement and delivery of prohibited weapons to extremist and criminal groups.

The agency indicated that further inquiries are ongoing to identify additional individuals connected to the illegal arms network and to reveal the complete scope of the conspiracy.

In a different case, on February 6 this year, the NIA charged Md. Fasi Uddin, a resident of Hyderabad, in connection with the recovery of high-quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from Banjariya in Bihar’s Champaran district, which unveiled a transnational counterfeit currency syndicate allegedly operating through networks tied to Pakistan and Nepal.

The NIA noted that Md. Fasi Uddin was an active participant in an international consortium involved in the procurement, smuggling, and distribution of counterfeit currency intended to undermine India’s economic stability.

Officials remarked that further investigations are proceeding in both cases to dismantle organized networks engaged in arms smuggling and counterfeit currency operations.