Samastipur: A major security breach has been unearthed in Bihar as sophisticated arms including an AK-47 and INSAS rifle — stolen from a police armory — were recovered from the residence of suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Saroj Singh in Samastipur. The weapons bore official government codes, confirming they were part of police stock.
“The markings on the recovered weapons clearly indicate they belong to the government. The investigation is underway to trace how they ended up in the possession of a suspended officer,” said Samastipur SP Arvind Pratap Singh.
Weapons Stolen from Police Stock, Confirmed by Codes
The recovered AK-47 and INSAS rifles, classified as standard-issue for police and paramilitary forces, were reportedly stolen from an armory. The AK-47 had coded markings such as 57650 and 66644, while the 30.06 rifle bore identifiers like 166109096 RFII 20267-17 — all typical of original government-issued arms.
“Verification is being conducted with all police armories across Bihar to determine the exact origin of the weapons,” added SP Singh. The police headquarters has also sought clarification from the weapon suppliers.
Weapons, Cartridges, and Arms Cache Found During 7-Hour Raid
The Special Task Force (STF) raided Saroj Singh’s residence on June 6, starting at 5 AM and lasting seven hours, recovering:
- AK-47 rifle
- INSAS rifle
- Regular rifles and double-barrel guns
- Over 145 live cartridges
Raids were also conducted at the home of his uncle Parshuram Singh, from where additional weapons were recovered. Five individuals were arrested, including Saroj, his uncle Parshuram, two cousins, and another associate.
Smuggling via Ganga River Route
Investigators revealed that Saroj smuggled weapons via the Ganga river route, transporting arms under the cover of darkness using boats from Barh-Bakhtiyarpur to evade police patrols. His house is strategically located near the riverbank, facilitating this illegal activity.
Sources also link the arms to ganglords and local Bahubalis (strongmen). It is suspected that Saroj and his relatives used these weapons to capture land in the Diara region, an area often disputed and controlled by muscle power.
Rivalry and Greed Led to Criminal Turn
Local sources state that Saroj was once aligned with Prince Mukhiya and Naveen Singh, but greed and his access to power through the police uniform led him to break ties and seek sole dominance over disputed land. Cases of land grabbing have already been registered against him.
Gold Chains, Viral Photo, and “Gold Man” Nickname
Saroj Singh earned the nickname “Gold Man” due to his obsession with gold jewelry — thick chains, rings, and bracelets — and his lavish lifestyle. His wife Rita Singh too was often seen adorned with expensive jewelry. A recent viral photo of Saroj flashing bundles of currency notes has raised further questions about the source of his wealth.
Suspension, Absconding, and Departmental Action
Saroj Singh, a 2008 batch constable, was suspended from Jehanabad Traffic Police Station for misconduct and was supposed to report to headquarters during his suspension. However, he remained absconding for six months and was allegedly involved in the land mafia network during that time.
A final report has been demanded from the investigating officer (IO), and the police armory in Jehanabad — his last posting — is under scrutiny. “We are studying the records and have summoned a fresh report,” said SP Singh.
The revelations have raised serious concerns about internal weapon theft and the misuse of police powers in Bihar. Further arrests and departmental suspensions are expected as the investigation deepens.
