NIA Charges Mizoram Man in Major Pan-India Illegal Arms Trafficking Case

The National Investigation Agency filed a charge sheet against Lalngaihawma for trafficking arms and ammunition linked to Myanmar insurgent groups. He faces multiple charges under IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substance Act, and UA(P) Act.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against an accused linked to Myanmar-based insurgent groups in a significant Pan-India arms and ammunition trafficking case.

The charge sheet against Lalngaihawma was submitted to the NIA Special Court in New Delhi under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act, Explosive Substance Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Lalngaihawma has been charged with active involvement in the illicit network operating across northeast India and other parts of the country.

The NIA had registered the case RC-31/2023/NIA/DLI on 26th December 2023 based on information about Mizoram-based entities engaged in illegal trafficking of arms, ammunition, and explosives. Investigations have revealed that Lalngaihawma established strong linkages with insurgent groups in Myanmar and received arms and ammunition through these connections for supply to various criminal and insurgent groups across the region. Additionally, he received substantial funds via multiple channels, including his Myanmar-based associates.

The NIA further discovered that Lalngaihawma had formed alliances with licensed arms dealers to facilitate the pilferage of non-prohibited bore weapons and ammunition while also trafficking prohibited bore weapons.

(With inputs from agencies.)