Patna: A joint operation by Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) and the Haryana Police has led to the arrest of a former Indian Army soldier near the Raxaul border in Bihar, with investigators alleging links to espionage, drug trafficking and cross-border terror networks.
The accused, identified as Rajbir Singh alias Fauji, was apprehended in the early hours of December 19 while allegedly attempting to flee to Europe via Nepal. Police said they recovered 500 grams of heroin and a hand grenade from Singh, while a 9mm pistol and additional heroin were seized from his alleged accomplice.
Punjab director general of police Gaurav Yadav said the arrest followed intelligence inputs connecting Singh to a broader narco-terror network with links to handlers based in Pakistan. Singh’s name had earlier surfaced in the investigation into a hand grenade attack in Sirsa, Haryana, officials said.
According to the SSOC, Singh joined the Indian Army in 2011 and deserted in February 2025. Investigators allege that he came into contact with Pakistani operatives through social media platforms in 2022 and began sharing sensitive military information in exchange for access to heroin consignments. A case under the Official Secrets Act was registered against him at Gharinda police station in Amritsar Rural, after which he allegedly fled to Nepal.
Police further claim that while in Nepal, Singh continued to coordinate drug trafficking between Punjab and Nepal and attempted to expand the network by introducing other military personnel to his alleged handlers.
Singh’s co-accused, Chirag, a resident of Fazilka district in Punjab, was arrested separately. Police said 407 grams of heroin and a 9mm pistol were recovered from him. Investigators allege that Chirag acted as a courier, transporting drug proceeds and logistical support within the network.
In a major breakthrough against the narco-terror nexus, the State Special Operations Cell (#SSOC), SAS Nagar apprehends Army deserter Rajbir Singh @ Fauji and his associate for their involvement in a cross-border drug and weapons smuggling racket.
Acting swiftly on forward and… pic.twitter.com/mWyQCbPYwL
— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) December 20, 2025
“Both accused were part of a conspiracy linked to the grenade attack on the Sirsa Women’s Police Station,” Yadav said, adding that hand grenades and financial assistance had allegedly been routed to another accused, Gurjant Singh of Amritsar Rural, who has already been arrested by Haryana Police. Authorities claim the network has direct links to Pakistan-based terrorists and smugglers.
The arrest has once again drawn attention to security concerns along the India–Nepal border, particularly the Bihar stretch, which accounts for around 729km of the 1,751km-long frontier. Law enforcement agencies have long described the border as vulnerable to smuggling, infiltration and espionage due to its open nature and minimal routine checks.
Senior security officials note that several high-profile cases, including the arrest of Indian Mujahideen operative Yasin Bhatkal, have involved movements across this route. Areas such as Raxaul in Bihar and Sonauli in Uttar Pradesh are considered especially sensitive.
Rajbir Singh has been taken to Punjab on transit remand, and further investigations are under way. Officials said the probe could lead to more arrests and disclosures, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance along the border to curb the growing threat of narco-terrorism.
