Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Jun 13: In a major enforcement operation against suspected organised crime, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) and Special Task Force (STF) on Saturday carried out coordinated raids at nearly 25 locations across Patna and Nalanda districts, targeting individuals allegedly linked to illegal land transactions and arms smuggling.
The extensive operation focused on properties associated with alleged land mafia figure Sanjay Kumar, popularly known as Santosh Don, and several of his suspected associates. The raids were conducted with support from the Nalanda Police and continued for several hours under tight security arrangements.
Investigating teams searched multiple premises linked to Sanjay Kumar, including his residence in Pachrukhia village. Kumar is reported to be the president of the Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) of Sukarbegchak Panchayat and is also the husband of the local Block Pramukh.
Search operations were also carried out at properties in Jagmalbigha, Mustafapur and Chauda villages as investigators widened the scope of the probe.
Simultaneously, officials raided the residence of Nitish Kumar in Pachasa village and the homes of road contractors Rajendra Yadav and Kanhaiya Yadav in Khidarchak village. Authorities said Kanhaiya Yadav and his brother were not present when the search teams arrived.
During the operation, investigators seized a Scorpio vehicle along with several documents, certificates and other materials believed to be relevant to the ongoing inquiry.
Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Sadar), Nalanda, confirmed that the raids were being conducted by the EOU and STF, with local police providing logistical and operational support.
Family members of some of those under investigation denied any wrongdoing. Pratima Devi, wife of Narendra Kumar, maintained that her husband and brother-in-law were involved only in road construction and plantation-related contracts and had no connection with land dealings or illegal activities. She said police teams had been searching their residence for several hours after arriving with official orders from Patna.
According to preliminary intelligence inputs, law enforcement agencies suspect the existence of a network involved in unlawful land acquisitions and arms trafficking. Investigators are now examining the seized documents and electronic records to identify financial transactions, property ownership patterns and possible links to broader criminal operations.
Officials indicated that the probe remains at an early stage and that further action will depend on the findings emerging from the seized materials and ongoing interrogations.
A substantial police presence continues to be maintained in the affected areas to ensure law and order and prevent any disruption during the investigation. Authorities said the crackdown is part of a wider effort to dismantle organised criminal networks operating in the region and trace the flow of illicit assets and weapons.