Contraband seizures on Bihar railways

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has conducted multiple operations in Bihar to intercept contraband on passenger trains.

In late August, RPF personnel at Saharsa railway station seized 14.02 kg of cannabis from the Rajya Rani Express following a report via the ‘Rail Madad’ service. During a separate operation at the same station involving the Vaishali Express, authorities recovered 18.75 litres of foreign liquor hidden in an electric box on a coach roof.

By early September, a further operation at Samastipur railway station resulted in the seizure of approximately 75 litres of various liquor brands from an AC First Class coach on the Swatantrata Senani Express. The alcohol was found concealed in suitcases, leading to the arrest of two individuals. Authorities are investigating potential links to larger smuggling networks operating in violation of Bihar’s prohibition laws.

On September 7, a joint operation involving the RPF, Government Railway Police (GRP), and the Crime Intelligence Branch (CIB) at Samastipur Railway Station led to the arrest of a woman, Neha Jha, after 75 litres of branded foreign liquor were discovered in a First AC coach of the Swatantrata Senani Express. The shipment was traveling from New Delhi to Jaynagar. Investigations indicate Jha allegedly used her professional role as a medical representative to smuggle alcohol, targeting doctors and influential individuals in Darbhanga. Authorities are also investigating a supply network involving her brother-in-law, Ishan Kumar, who is believed to coordinate the procurement of alcohol from Haryana for transport into Bihar.