A joint operation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Bihar Police is currently ongoing in Nalanda, focusing on a suspected arms trafficking network. The raids, which commenced at around 4.30 a.m. on Monday, are taking place at approximately 10 locations, including a gun shop and a jewellery store in the Laheri locality under the Laheri Police Station jurisdiction.
Local residents are abuzz due to the scale and intensity of the operation, which aims to dismantle an organised arms trafficking syndicate. Simultaneous raids are being conducted at various sites across the district, including ‘PK Gun House’. Investigators are meticulously cross-checking weapon serial numbers and verifying stock inventories to identify any irregularities.
The operation spans multiple areas, including Mirzapur village under the Chiksaura Police Station and Rammurti Nagar under the Hilsa Police Station. Around 100 personnel are reportedly participating in the operation, with prior information about the raids not shared with local police stations for operational security. Notably, the NIA had previously conducted similar raids in Nalanda district on December 4.
During the previous operation, searches were carried out in the Baradari locality and areas under the Bhagwanbigha Police Station. Individuals like Md. Parvez and Rajendra Yadav were questioned in connection with the case. Before the ongoing operation, the NIA had also conducted a major crackdown in June 2025 in Nalanda district, where officials recovered a significant number of cartridges from different locations, emphasizing the extent of the illegal arms network in the region.
