NIA Raids Multiple States in Investigation of Arms Smuggling from Pakistan

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated an extensive search operation across four Indian states as part of an investigation into the smuggling of arms, explosives, and IEDs from Pakistan into India.

Agents conducted searches at 12 locations: five in Uttar Pradesh, two in Rajasthan, two in Bihar, and three in Maharashtra. Several digital devices were confiscated during the sweep, which will undergo forensic examination to uncover further details of the terror plot, according to agency reports.

The case began with a February arrest in Amritsar, where a suspect was caught with an IED, a firearm, and ammunition. This led Punjab Police to file charges, which the NIA later expanded, connecting the smuggling operations to planned attacks in Punjab, Delhi, and beyond, intending to destabilize the country.

Investigators have found evidence linking the arrested individual to a network of individuals within and outside India, all allegedly conspiring to engage in acts of terrorism. Efforts continue to identify other domestic and international elements in this dangerous alliance, according to the NIA.

(With inputs from agencies.)