NIA Arrests ‘Uncle Ji’ in Major Arms Smuggling Bust Across North India

Patna, December 18, 2025: In a significant breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Kamalkant Verma, popularly known as ‘Uncle Ji,’ in connection with a sprawling illegal arms and ammunition smuggling network operating across North India. Authorities say the arrest marks a major step in dismantling the gang that supplied weapons across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana.

Key Figure in North India’s Arms Trade

Kamalkant Verma, a resident of Patna, is the 11th individual to be taken into custody in this case. According to the NIA, Verma played a central role in the network, sourcing illegal firearms and ammunition from factories in Haryana and other regions. These weapons were then distributed extensively across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and other parts of the country.

Authorities believe Uncle Ji’s operations were integral to the gang’s supply chain, making him a primary target for law enforcement agencies. Investigators are also examining his connections in Tamil Nadu and possible links to the Ramlingam murder case.

Widespread Raids and Multiple Arrests

Verma’s arrest follows a series of NIA raids across North India. Between December 4–12, the agency conducted simultaneous search operations at 23 locations across Bihar (Nalanda, Sheikhpura, and Patna), Uttar Pradesh (Auraiya), and Haryana (Kurukshetra). These raids led to the seizure of large quantities of firearms and ammunition, over ₹1 crore in cash, multiple digital devices containing incriminating data, and forged or suspicious identity documents.

During these operations, four additional suspects—Ravi Ranjan, Shashi Prakash, Vijay Kalra, and Kush Kalra—were arrested for actively participating in the gang’s illegal activities. NIA officials said the crackdown is part of a wider campaign to curb arms trafficking and dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.

Significance of the Arrest

The apprehension of Uncle Ji has been hailed as a major victory by law enforcement agencies in North India, who had been tracking him across five states. The NIA continues its investigation to identify and neutralize further links in the network, aiming to disrupt the illegal arms trade that poses a significant security threat.