Agartala, May 17: In a major breakthrough against illegal arms trafficking, the Tripura Crime Branch has arrested a suspected interstate firearms supplier from Bihar in connection with recent weapon seizures near Agartala Railway Station.

The accused, identified as Subham Kumar Sharma, was apprehended from Bhagalpur district following a multi-state investigation conducted by a special Crime Branch team. Investigators believe Sharma played a crucial role in coordinating the movement of illegal firearms into Tripura through railway routes and other transit channels.

The investigation began after law enforcement agencies recovered factory-made pistols in two separate operations near Agartala Railway Station. Two persons — Subrata Datta and Prasenjit Das — were initially arrested in connection with the seizures.

Given the suspected interstate network behind the racket, the probe was later handed over to the Crime Branch for detailed investigation. During interrogation and technical analysis, investigators reportedly traced the supply chain to Bihar.

Acting on fresh intelligence inputs, a Crime Branch team travelled to Bhagalpur and conducted raids before successfully arresting Sharma. Officials suspect he was involved in arranging the procurement and dispatch of firearms destined for Tripura and neighbouring regions.

After completing transit formalities, the accused was brought to Agartala on Saturday and produced before a local court. The court granted five days of police remand to facilitate further interrogation.

Investigators are now trying to identify other members of the network, including possible receivers, transport handlers and financiers linked to the interstate arms supply chain. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests in the coming days.