44,250 Live Cartridges Seized in Bihar and Haryana in Major Interstate Ammunition Smuggling Bust
Security agencies have uncovered a major interstate ammunition-smuggling network following the seizure of approximately 44,250 live cartridges in coordinated operations across Bihar and Haryana. The recoveries have raised serious questions about the illegal diversion of ammunition manufactured at government facilities and its movement through licensed arms dealers and intermediaries.
The first major seizure took place on November 2 in Bihar’s Bhojpur district, where the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) and local police recovered approximately 19,250 live cartridges during a vehicle inspection near Koilwar. Three people were arrested in connection with the recovery.
During questioning, investigators reportedly obtained information about an alleged ammunition supplier based in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh. This information helped investigators identify possible connections between the Bihar operation and individuals operating in Haryana.
Acting on the intelligence shared by Bihar Police, Haryana’s Special Task Force conducted another operation on November 3 near the Rohad toll plaza in Jhajjar district. Officers recovered approximately 25,000 live cartridges from two vehicles, a Tata Harrier and a Hyundai Aura.
According to Haryana Police, around 24,400 cartridges were recovered from the Tata Harrier, while another 600 were found in the Hyundai Aura. The ammunition included .32-bore and .315-bore cartridges. Five people were initially arrested during the operation, and another alleged supplier was subsequently arrested in Sirsa.
Investigators identified Afifuddin, also known as Munna Khan, as a key alleged figure in the supply network. He reportedly operated Badaun Gun House in Uttar Pradesh. Police also arrested Vijay Goel, the owner of Mehak Gun House in Sirsa, over his alleged involvement in supplying the ammunition.
An important aspect of the investigation concerns the markings found on the seized cartridges. Police officials said several cartridges carried the letters KF, indicating that they were manufactured at the Khadki ammunition factory in Pune, Maharashtra. Investigators are examining how ammunition produced at a government facility allegedly entered an illegal supply chain.
The investigation has also expanded to Badaun, where police searched the residence of an accused. During the search, officers recovered a .315-bore rifle, a 12-bore firearm, 40 live cartridges and 738 empty cartridge cases. Police also found that the licences associated with the two firearms had expired.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reportedly taken up the wider interstate investigation to trace the source of the ammunition, identify the supply channels and establish the intended recipients. Investigators are examining possible connections across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, along with the movement of ammunition into other states.
The suspected network is believed to have operated through multiple intermediaries, including licensed arms dealers. Investigators are particularly interested in determining whether ammunition was diverted through irregular transactions, forged documentation or misuse of legitimate licensing arrangements.
The case has also triggered political controversy after Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the alleged association of some individuals implicated in the racket with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Referring to photographs reportedly showing certain individuals wearing RSS uniforms, he demanded explanations from the organisation and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Kharge raised questions about the identities and organisational positions of the individuals, their alleged involvement in the ammunition network and the intended recipients of the seized cartridges. He also questioned how government-manufactured ammunition could have reached suspected illegal markets.
However, photographs showing individuals wearing organisational uniforms do not independently establish institutional involvement in the alleged smuggling operation. Any such connection remains subject to investigation and verification by law enforcement authorities.
The seizure of more than 44,000 live cartridges across two states has brought renewed attention to ammunition stock monitoring, arms-dealer licensing and the security of government-manufactured defence supplies. The investigation will be crucial in establishing how the ammunition was procured, transported and allegedly distributed through the interstate network.
