NIA conducts searches in 13 states in connection with the organised crime, narcotics and terror network cases

New Delhi, November 30

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at over 13 locations in connection with the emerging nexus between terrorists, gangsters and drug smugglers/traffickers based in India and abroad. 

The searches were conducted in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh and Delhi- NCR region. 

The raids were carried out in Fazilka, Taran Taran, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Mohali, Districts of Punjab, Yamuna Nagar district of Haryana, Sikar district of Rajasthan and Outer North District of Delhi/ NCR.

This is the third round of raids and searches is part of the NIA crackdown against organised criminal syndicates and networks, top gangsters, their criminal & business associates based in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and arms suppliers based in Rajasthan and Delhi. 

The NIA stated that the searches were conducted at the houses/premises of Kaushal Chaudhary of Gurugram-Rajasthan, Vishal Maan of Prahalpur-Delhi, Binny Gurjar of Sangroor-Punjab, Ravi Rajgarh 0f Ludhiana-Punjab and their associates.

During the searches, incriminating materials,  including various types of contraband, have been seized, along with ammunition. 

The investigations will continue to dismantle such terror networks as well as their funding and support infrastructure. Preliminary investigations have revealed that these gangs were carrying out targeted killings and were also raising funds to carry out such criminal activities through smuggling of drugs and weapons. 

The recent sensational crimes and extortion calls by criminal syndicates and gangsters to businessmen, professionals, including doctors etc., had created a widespread scare among the people. These gangs were using cyber-space to publicise these crimes to create terror among the public at large, added officials. 

The investigations have also revealed that such criminal acts were not isolated local incidents but there was a deep rooted conspiracy amongst terrorists, gangsters and drug smuggling cartels and networks, who were operating from both within and outside the country. 

Many gang leaders and members had fled from India and are operating from foreign countries, including Pakistan, Canada, Malaysia, Australia etc. Most of these conspiracies were being hatched from inside Jails of different States and were being executed by an organized network of operatives based abroad, added officials.