In a major breakthrough against organized crime, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has captured a pivotal figure in a sprawling illegal arms and ammunition trafficking network that had its roots in Bihar and spread across northern India. The arrest marks a significant step in dismantling a dangerous supply chain that fueled violence in multiple states.
Central Figure "Uncle Jee" Apprehended in Patna
The arrested individual has been identified as Kamalkant Verma, also known by the alias "Uncle Jee". A resident of Patna, Verma becomes the 11th person to be detained in this high-priority case. Agency officials announced his arrest on Wednesday, highlighting his alleged central role in the syndicate's operations.
According to the NIA's investigation, Verma was instrumental in the illegal procurement of ammunition from various gun houses located primarily in Haryana and other regions. This ammunition was then systematically smuggled into Uttar Pradesh, serving as a distribution hub from where it was further channeled to Bihar and other parts of the country.
Nationwide Raids and Previous Arrests
Verma's arrest did not occur in isolation but was the result of a coordinated, multi-state crackdown. This operation included extensive searches conducted by the NIA at 23 locations across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana. These raids led to the earlier arrest of four other suspects deeply involved in the network's activities.
The individuals previously taken into custody include Ravi Ranjan, Shashi Prakash, Vijay Kalra, and Kush Kalra. Their arrests were part of the agency's relentless effort to break the backbone of the illegal arms trade operating in the northern belt of India.
Massive Seizures During December Operations
In a decisive move on December 4, the NIA mobilized 22 specialized teams to conduct simultaneous searches at numerous suspected hideouts and connection points. The operation covered:
- Seven locations in the Nalanda, Sheikhpura, and Patna districts of Bihar.
- Thirteen locations in the Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh.
- Two locations in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana.
The outcome of these raids was substantial. Authorities recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition of various calibres, pointing to the scale of the operation. Additionally, they seized over Rs 1 crore in cash, a significant number of digital devices like mobile phones and laptops containing incriminating data, and various documents including fake and suspicious identity papers.
Ongoing Investigation and Implications
The arrest of Kamalkant Verma is viewed as a crucial development that could provide investigators with deeper insights into the syndicate's modus operandi, its funding sources, and its wider connections. The NIA's focused investigation continues to trace the entire supply chain, from source to end-user, aiming to preempt the use of these illegal weapons in criminal and terrorist activities.
This crackdown underscores a serious national security concern regarding the proliferation of illegal firearms and highlights the coordinated efforts of central agencies to tackle interstate criminal networks that pose a threat to internal security.
