New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charge-sheeted three more accused in a case relating to trafficking and supply of illegal arms, ammunition and explosives to insurgents in the northeastern state of Mizoram, an official release stated.
The accused, Vanlaldailova, Lalmuanpuia, and Lalrinchhunga alias Albert, all residents of Mizoram, were arrested on December 6, 2024, following the seizure of arms, ammunition and explosive materials during searches at their residences.
As per the release, investigations revealed that all three had played significant roles in supporting terrorist activities by distributing weapons to insurgent groups, which contributed to the escalation of ethnic violence in Manipur.
They had also raised funds with the knowledge that the proceeds would be used for procuring weapons for terror activities, thereby threatening public order and national integrity.
Vanlaldailova, a licensed arms and ammunition dealer (M/s Israel Arms & Ammunition, Serchhip), had conspired with two other Mizoram-based co-accused, Lalngaihawma and Lalmuanawma, to procure and illegally supply weapons across the border and in Manipur for use in terrorist activities.
As per NIA investigations, he had misused his dealership to promote such activities, the release stated.
Lalmuanpuia and Lalrinchhunga had actively participated in this illegal network by facilitating the procurement and delivery of arms, ammunition and explosives for insurgent use. Lalrinchhunga was also engaged in the illegal manufacture and repair of firearms.
The NIA had initially registered the case in December 2023 based on intelligence reports linking Lalngaihawma and Lalmuanawma to arms trafficking operations that spanned across northeast India and other parts of India, including Delhi.
The main chargesheet was filed against Lalngaihawma in July 2024, followed by a supplementary chargesheet against Solomona in November.
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In the second supplementary chargesheet filed on May 27 before the NIA Special Court at Patiala House Courts in New Delhi, Vanlaldailova, Lalmuanpuia and Lalrinchhunga have been charged under various provisions of IPC, Arms Act, 1959, Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and the UA(P) Act, 1967.