The team also seized six mobile phones, three motorcycles, nine weighing machines, three Paytm scanners, a pouch-packing machine, 12 scissors, seven ATM cards and other items allegedly used in the illegal trade.
The Bihar Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has arrested several individuals in three separate operations over the past two days, continuing a crackdown on narcotics trafficking, illegal arms, and criminal activities in the state.
Kundan Krishnan, Additional Director General (ADG) of Bihar Police Headquarters and Operations, said the STF, along with the Patna district police, on Thursday arrested six persons involved in a cannabis smuggling racket during a raid in the Ramkrishnanagar area of Patna. The joint operation led to the recovery of 60 kg of cannabis, valued at around Rs 5 lakh, as well as cash amounting to Rs 15.66 lakh.
The team also seized six mobile phones, three motorcycles, nine weighing machines, three Paytm scanners, a pouch-packing machine, 12 scissors, seven ATM cards and other items allegedly used in the illegal trade.
The arrested individuals were identified as Krishna Kumar, Ritesh Rai, Roshan Kumar, Vikas Kumar, Anand Kumar and Nikhil Kumar — all residents of Vaishali district. According to the ADG, they were part of an organised group engaged in illicit narcotics trade for some time. A case has been registered at the Ramkrishnanagar police station, and further investigation is underway to trace the wider network, police said.
In a separate operation on Friday, the STF, in coordination with the Vaishali district police, arrested one Devendra Rai from the Judawanpur area for possessing illegal firearms. Police recovered two 0.315 bore rifles, one country-made pistol, nine live cartridges and two empty shells from him.
ADG Krishnan said the STF had received intelligence that weapons were being stockpiled in the Raghopur diara region in connection with potential violent incidents over land disputes. Acting on the input, the joint team conducted the raid and arrested the accused.
Additionally, in a joint operation with the Siwan district police, the STF arrested six individuals involved in an armed robbery at a jewellery shop in Siwan’s Raghnathpur. Police recovered stolen gold and silver jewellery, a loaded country-made pistol, two live cartridges, and the motorcycle used in the crime.
Story continues below this ad
Investigations into all three cases, including the criminal backgrounds and potential network links of the arrested individuals, are ongoing.
Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance.
Professional Expertise & Credentials
An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment.
Specialized Beats
Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues:
Civic & Legal Affairs: Extensive experience covering the Delhi reporting beat, focusing on policy implementation and judicial impact.
Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors.
Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues.
Personal Interests & Digital Literacy
Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. ... Read More
