The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted searches in connection with the Purnea Arms Case.
The house of Chandra Vijay Pratap alias Sushil of Patna and premises of Sanmario Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Patna were searched. Chandra Vijay Pratap is the Director of the accused firm Sanmario Pharmaceuticals.
The case pertains to interdiction of an SUV and seizure of highly sophisticated weapons and ammunition on February 7, 2019 by Purnea Police from three persons---Suraj Prasad, Varengnow Kahorngam and Clearson Kabo. The weapons included two Under Barrel Grenade Launchers (UBGL), one AK series rifle and 1,800 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition which were kept concealed and were being transported by the above mentioned three persons in the SUV. The local police registered an FIR No. 35/19 dated February 7 last year at Police Station Baisi against the three accused persons.
The NIA re-registered the case as RC-05/2019/NIA-DLI dated February 28, 2019, under various Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and various provisions of the IPC and Arms Act. During its investigation, the NIA arrested four more accused namely Tripuari Singh, Mukesh Singh, Ningkhan Sangtam and Santosh Singh and filed chargesheet against the seven accused persons.
“The investigation revealed that a large number of illegal sophisticated prohibited weapons and ammunition were supplied by accused Ningkhan Sangtam, a self-styled Major of NSCN (IM) through an arms dealer of Bihar to the absconding accused Bhikhan Ganjhu, Zonal Commander of the Tritya Prastuti Committee (TPC), a Naxal terrorist gang. Suspect Chandra Vijay Pratap alias Sushil had transferred a huge amount of funds to the account of accused Ningkhan Sangtam,” the NIA said in a statement.
During the searches, several incriminating documents pertaining to monetary transactions have been seized. Further investigation in the case is continuing, it added.