Arms, Ammunition, IED Smuggling: NIA Conducts Multi-State Searches To Crack Down On Indo-Pak Network

A multi-search operation was conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday across four states in a case of smuggling of arms, ammunition, and IEDs into the country from across the Indo-Pakistan border. A total of 12 locations were extensively searched across, officials said. Several digital devices were seized during the coordinated operation by NIA teams and they will be forensically analysed."The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday conducted a multi-search operation across four states in a case of smuggling of arms, ammunition and IEDs into the country from across the Indo-Pak border," the NIA said in its release."A total of 12 locations were extensively searched in Uttar Pradesh (4 locations), Rajasthan (2 locations), Bihar

(2 locations) and Maharashtra (3 locations). Several digital devices were seized during the coordinated operation by NIA teams which will be further analysed forensically to unveil the complete terror conspiracy in the case," it added.

What is the case about?

The case originated in February this year with the arrest of one person by the Special Operations Cell in Amritsar after he was found in possession of an improvised explosive device (IED) packed in a metallic case with a remote control set, one mobile handset, a foreign-made .30 bore pistol with magazine, and 20 live cartridges, it said.A case was then registered by Punjab Police.After taking over the investigation, the NIA found that the cross-border smuggling was aimed at carrying out IED blasts at various places in Punjab, Delhi and other parts of India to cause extensive damage to life and property, and disrupt the peace and stability of the country.The investigation in the case further revealed that the arrested accused was in touch with several persons in different parts of the country to unleash terror, arson and other violent activities, the agency said.Efforts are on to identify other Indian and transnational elements involved in the conspiracy, it said. (With agency inputs)