A joint operation by the Special Task Forces (STFs) of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana has uncovered an alleged interstate arms and ammunition smuggling network, with more than 40,000 cartridges reportedly seized and several people arrested.
The investigation has drawn attention to photographs showing Bihar-based accused Chandan Tiwari and his brother Abhishek Tiwari wearing the uniform of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Muslim Mirror, which reported on the case, published photographs showing the brothers in RSS uniforms and another image reportedly showing them posing with a local MLA from Muzaffarpur.
The operation has also raised questions about the reported supply of ammunition manufactured in government-owned ordnance factories to private gun shops and, allegedly, into illegal channels.
25,000 Cartridges Seized in Haryana
The Haryana STF recovered 25,000 live cartridges from two vehicles near the Rohad Toll Plaza in Jhajjar district following a tip-off from the Bihar STF.
According to police, the Rohtak unit of the Haryana STF received information on Tuesday morning about two suspicious vehicles parked outside Triveni Dhaba. The team intercepted a Tata Harrier and a Hyundai Aura and searched them.
Police recovered 24,400 cartridges from the Harrier and another 600 from the Aura. Eight mobile phones were also seized.
Five people were arrested. They have been identified as Afifuddin alias Munna Khan, 49, Asim Rais, 33, Sablu Khan, 32, Arbaz Ali, 27, and Zeenat, 33. All five are residents of different neighbourhoods in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Munna Khan operates Badaun Gun House in the Civil Lines area of Badaun. Police allege that he procured the cartridges from Vijay Goel, who owns Mehak Gun House in Sirsa, Haryana.
No licence was reportedly produced for the seized ammunition. An FIR has been registered at Asauda police station in Jhajjar under Sections 25(1-B)(A) and 25(8) of the Arms Act.
Bihar Seizure Leads Investigators to Badaun
The Haryana recovery followed an operation by the Bihar STF near Ara in Bhojpur district, where more than 19,000 cartridges were reportedly seized and three people, including Chandan Tiwari, were arrested.
According to police accounts, investigators found links between the Bihar accused and an alleged ammunition supply network operating in Badaun. Another accused, identified as Laltu, was reportedly apprehended in Bhojpur with around 20,000 cartridges and was allegedly in contact with Munna Khan.
Subsequent raids in Badaun and Haryana led to further recoveries. The combined seizures in Bihar and Haryana have been reported to total more than 40,000 cartridges, although some accounts put the figure at approximately 45,000.
Investigators are examining the alleged links between the gun shops and the people accused of transporting and supplying the ammunition.
Muslim Mirror Reports Accused Were Photographed in RSS Uniform
In its report on the case, Muslim Mirror published photographs of Chandan Tiwari and his brother Abhishek Tiwari wearing what appears to be the RSS uniform. The publication also shared another photograph reportedly showing the brothers posing with a local MLA from Muzaffarpur.
According to Muslim Mirror, Abhishek Tiwari is already in jail in connection with a separate arms smuggling case, while Chandan was recently arrested by the STF.
The photographs have prompted questions about the alleged political and organisational associations of the accused. However, the images alone do not establish that the RSS, as an organisation, was involved in the arms smuggling network.
Questions Over Ammunition Made in Government Factories
Another aspect of the investigation concerns reports that some of the seized cartridges were manufactured in government-owned ordnance factories.
If confirmed, the reported origin of the ammunition raises questions about how it entered the alleged illegal supply chain and whether it was diverted through licensed dealers or other intermediaries.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reportedly joined the investigation. It is expected to examine the origin of the ammunition, the supply chain and the possible involvement of other individuals.
Possible Links to Earlier Arms Cases
The investigation has also brought renewed attention to the name of Jalan Shop, which reportedly surfaced in an earlier arms smuggling case in Bihar.
Reports in that case alleged that an individual associated with the shop supplied nearly 100 pistols to different parts of Bihar using forged arms licences. The accused was reportedly wanted by the NIA and remains absconding.
Investigators have yet to establish whether the current ammunition network has any connection with that case or other previously investigated arms trafficking operations.
The agencies are now attempting to trace the intended recipients of the seized cartridges and identify the ultimate buyers. They are also examining whether the ammunition was meant for organised criminal groups or other illegal networks.
