The National Investigation Agency launched a major anti-terror operation across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Maharashtra. The agency searched 12 locations linked to a Pakistan-backed weapon smuggling and terror conspiracy involving drone deliveries of arms, ammunition and improvised explosive devices.
NIA teams raided five locations in Uttar Pradesh, three in Maharashtra, and two each in Rajasthan and Bihar. Investigators targeted premises linked to suspects accused of helping Pakistani operative Jasvir Chaudhary and his associates build a covert logistics network across multiple states.
Officials believe the network planned coordinated terror strikes in Punjab, Delhi and other parts of India. Investigators suspect the accused intended to use the weapons and explosives to trigger large-scale blasts, cause civilian casualties and spread panic.
The raids began early Friday morning after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. Investigators searched properties connected to individuals suspected of arranging transport, communication channels, shelter and storage facilities for illegal consignments.
Drone Smuggling Routes Raise Security Alarm
Investigators suspect the accused used drone routes near the Indo-Pak border to move firearms, ammunition and explosive materials into India. Security agencies believe local operatives received the consignments and transported them across states after the drops.
Officials say drone-based smuggling now poses a major national security challenge. Punjab has recorded several incidents in recent years involving drones carrying narcotics, weapons and cash across the border.
Security agencies now suspect terror groups have adopted the same methods to strengthen underground supply chains inside India.
Investigators are also examining whether sleeper cells or dormant support modules helped conceal or transport the recovered materials. Officials believe the network operated through decentralised units spread across several states.
Punjab Police Intelligence Triggered the Investigation
The case began after the State Special Operations Cell of Punjab Police received intelligence inputs on February 10. Officials said the inputs pointed to a large consignment of arms, ammunition and IEDs smuggled into India through drone drops under Jasvir Chaudhary’s direction.
Punjab Police registered FIR No. 09/2026 on February 10 after receiving the intelligence. Authorities later handed the case to the NIA on March 21 because of its cross-border links and multi-state dimensions.
Since taking over the investigation, the NIA has worked to identify every operative, logistical channel and financial link connected to the conspiracy.
Digital Evidence and Foreign Links Under Scanner
Officials said investigators seized digital devices, communication records and documents during Friday’s searches. The agency is analysing the material to trace financial transactions, identify additional operatives and establish links with foreign-based terror handlers.
Security agencies believe the probe could expose a larger ecosystem supporting cross-border terror activity inside India.
Officials indicated that more raids, questioning and detentions may follow as investigators widen the probe.
For India’s security establishment, the case highlights the growing use of technology-driven smuggling networks that combine drones, local operatives and covert logistics systems to move weapons across borders while avoiding conventional surveillance.
