NIA Detains Vaishali Lawyer in Arms Supply Case Involving AK-47s

In a late-night operation in Hajipur, Vaishali district, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a lawyer in connection with a case involving arms trafficking and a supply network dealing in advanced weapons such as AK-47s. The Nagar police station in-charge has confirmed the arrest.

The detained man is Sandeep Kumar Singh, alias Chhotu Lal, who lives on SDO Road under the Nagar police station limits. He is allegedly practising as a lawyer in the Patna High Court.

Sources said the NIA team caught him on the main road at Jauhari Bazar at about 1 am. He was allegedly waiting for a vehicle that had been arranged to help him leave the area. The agency team, which was already in the vicinity, took him into custody. A car was seized from the spot and later handed over to the local city police.

The arrest is part of an NIA case concerning the alleged illegal smuggling, purchase and supply of weapons, including AK-47s. The agency is examining the role of the network involved in sourcing and distributing arms and of any other persons linked to it.

Singh had previously come under the agency's investigation in this matter. During an earlier raid at his SDO Road residence, the NIA reportedly seized an illegal 9mm pistol. Since then, the agency had been keeping a close watch on his activities.

Sources indicated that the lawyer appeared to have anticipated his arrest, as he slipped out of his home late at night before reaching Jauhari Bazar. He was waiting for the vehicle when the NIA team moved in.

The action triggered alarm among residents, and a large crowd gathered at the site once news of the arrest spread.

The accused has been taken into NIA custody for questioning as part of the probe into the alleged arms trafficking network. Investigators are working to establish the supply chain, identify other people involved in the operation, and determine their respective roles.