Patna/Samastipur: In a high-stakes early morning operation, Bihar’s Special Task Force (STF) and district police teams raided multiple locations linked to suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Saroj Singh and recovered a massive cache of arms, ammunition, and cash. Singh, who opened fire on the police during the raid in Samastipur, was arrested along with four others in connection with an alleged conspiracy to carry out targeted killings and illegal arms dealings.
Gunfire During Raid, Assault Rifles Recovered
As the police team approached Saroj Singh’s residence in Samastipur, he reportedly opened fire, prompting STF personnel to retaliate. The exchange of fire resulted in a tense standoff before Singh was subdued and arrested.
During the raid, officers recovered a staggering cache of weapons from Singh’s home:
- One AK-47 assault rifle
- One INSAS rifle
- One regular rifle
- One double-barrel gun
- Over 145 live cartridges
Additional recoveries included documents related to land transactions and a Bullet motorcycle. A total of Rs 1.4 crore in cash was found stashed at House No. 4B, Sarita Vatika, in the Jhunjhun Mahal locality of Gardanibagh, Patna. A currency counting machine was also seized.
Multiple Locations Searched Across Patna, Samastipur, Vaishali
The investigation spread to multiple premises across districts. Saroj Singh was staying on rent at a house in Naya Tola near Shagun Mod under Danapur police station limits, where land agreement documents worth Rs 11 lakh were found.
The police also raided the office of BL Infra Eve Pvt Ltd, a property dealing firm under Rupaspur police station, recovering 40 land agreements valued at over Rs 2 crore.
In addition to Saroj Singh, four others were arrested. Notably, from co-accused Nishant Kumar Rai, police recovered an INSAS rifle, 70 bullets, and four magazines. From Parshuram Singh, a carbine and 12 bullets were seized, while Munna Yadav was found in possession of one regular rifle, two double-barrel guns, 45 bullets, and four empty shells.
Conspiracy to Kill Political Rivals
According to the Bihar Police Headquarters, the raids were triggered by intelligence inputs about a conspiracy to assassinate individuals identified as Prince Mukhiya and Naveen Singh. STF sources confirmed that this intelligence prompted the coordinated crackdown.
Saroj Singh was being closely monitored after going underground for eight months. He was officially suspended in 2024 on charges of colluding with criminals, facilitating illegal arms smuggling, and securing army jobs through illicit means.
9 Criminal Cases, Long Absence from Duty
Singh, a 2008 batch constable turned ASI, had a history of evading duty and a rap sheet stretching over a decade. He had been absent without leave since September 20, 2024. A probe led by Jehanabad SP revealed nine FIRs against him between 2013 and 2024, ranging from attempt to murder to violations under the Arms Act.
Sub-Inspector Upendra Mishra had attempted to track him down in Samastipur and at Mohiuddin Nagar police station, where his criminal past came to light. Departmental action was initiated thereafter, and a show-cause notice was issued to Singh on May 2, 2025.
Family Claims Ignorance
During the raid, several family members were also taken into custody. Munni Devi, who identified herself as Saroj Singh’s aunt, claimed ignorance of the entire operation. “We had just returned from a wedding. Today is my grandson’s birthday. I was shocked to see the police,” she said. She also mentioned that her three sons — Vishwajeet, Abhishek, and Chandralesh — were taken into custody, although they were not directly linked to the case.
Raids Continue in Vaishali
Simultaneous raids were also conducted at the residence of Singh’s father-in-law, Arun Kumar Singh, in Alipur, Mahanar of Vaishali district. STF teams were joined by police from Patori, Mohanpur, Mohiuddin Nagar, and Vidyapati Nagar police stations.
Official Response
Senior STF officials and Patwari DSP BK Medhavi oversaw the operation, which they described as a breakthrough in tracking organised crime networks involving rogue police personnel.
As of Friday evening, all five accused — including Saroj Singh — were being brought to Patna for further interrogation. With the recovery of high-powered arms, huge cash reserves, and extensive land deals, officials believe the case could expose a larger nexus between suspended police officers, real estate dealings, and criminal networks in Bihar.
