Over 45,000 cartridges seized in Bihar-Haryana raids; Accused Chandan Tiwari seen in RSS uniform 

Millat Times Desk

04 November 2026 (Publish: 01:57 PM IST)

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A massive arms and ammunition smuggling network spanning Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana has come under the scanner after joint operations by the Special Task Forces of the three states led to the seizure of tens of thousands of cartridges and the arrest of several people. 

The case has drawn further attention after photographs emerged showing key accused, including Chandan Tiwari and his brother Abhishek Tiwari, wearing the uniform of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

According to Patna Police, the Bihar STF recently conducted a raid near Ara and arrested three people, including Chandan Tiwari. More than 19,000 cartridges were reportedly recovered during the operation.

During interrogation, investigators allegedly uncovered links between the arrested men and a network operating in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh. Subsequent raids in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana reportedly led to the recovery of thousands of additional cartridges.

Photographs of Chandan Tiwari and his brother Abhishek Tiwari have surfaced following the arrests. In some pictures, both are seen wearing RSS uniforms. Another photograph reportedly shows them posing with a local MLA from Muzaffarpur.

According to reports, Abhishek Tiwari is already in jail in connection with an arms smuggling case, while Chandan was recently arrested by the STF.

One of the major questions emerging from the investigation concerns the reported origin of the seized ammunition. According to reports, the cartridges were manufactured in government-owned ordnance factories.

Investigators are now examining how ammunition produced in government facilities allegedly reached illegal networks, who diverted the supplies and how the smuggling operation was organised.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also reportedly joined the investigation to examine the supply chain, identify those involved and establish the possible role of other individuals.

In a related operation, the Haryana STF arrested five people, including a woman, and seized 25,000 live cartridges near the Rohad toll plaza in Jhajjar district.

Police said the operation followed information received from the Bihar STF, which had earlier recovered around 20,000 cartridges in Bhojpur district.

The Haryana STF recovered 24,400 cartridges from a Tata Harrier and another 600 from a Hyundai Aura. Eight mobile phones were also seized.

The arrested individuals, all residents of Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district, have been identified as Afifuddin alias Munna Khan, Asim Rais, Sablu Khan, Arbaz Ali and Zeenat.

Police allege that Munna Khan, who operates Badaun Gun House, procured the ammunition from Vijay Goel, the proprietor of Mehak Gun House in Sirsa.

Investigators are examining possible links between the Bihar and Haryana seizures, including whether the ammunition recovered in both states came through the same supply network.

The name of Jalan Shop had previously surfaced in another arms smuggling investigation in Bihar. Reports alleged that an individual associated with the case supplied nearly 100 pistols to different parts of the state using forged arms licences. The accused, reportedly wanted by the NIA, remains absconding.

Investigators are examining whether the newly exposed network has any connection with previously investigated arms trafficking cases.

The investigation will focus on identifying the intended recipients of the ammunition, tracing its buyers and establishing how such large quantities of cartridges allegedly entered the illegal market.

The case has also raised questions about the monitoring and security of ammunition manufactured in government-owned factories. The NIA and state STFs are continuing their investigations to establish the full extent of the alleged network and identify everyone involved.

No evidence presented in the available reports establishes any organisational involvement of the RSS in the alleged smuggling operation. The photographs showing the accused in RSS uniforms do not, by themselves, establish such a connection.