Madhubani: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted a major operation as part of an investigation into an alleged network involved in circulating counterfeit Indian currency and trafficking narcotics along the India-Nepal border. The NIA’s Patna team carried out simultaneous searches at 12 locations linked to Hira Devi Mahaseth, alias “Chachi,” and her alleged associates. The operation covered Duhbi Bazaar in Ward No. 10 of Mahinathpur, under Basopatti police station limits in Madhubani district, as well as other locations.
The searches were conducted under warrants issued by a special court. In the presence of a magistrate and police personnel, the operation began at 5 am and continued until 3 pm, lasting approximately 10 hours. Investigators broke open the locks of four houses that were found closed and searched the premises. The entire operation was video-recorded.
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Several documents and other materials considered suspicious were seized during the searches. Following the operation, all 12 premises were sealed, with the signatures of the magistrate and the local village head obtained on the seals. Investigators are examining the seized materials to establish the nature of the alleged activities and the possible links between the premises and the suspected network.
Shops, Warehouses and Residential Premises Searched
The NIA team searched several commercial establishments in Duhbi Bazaar, including Prakash Machinery Store, Jai Mata Di Kirana Store, a garage and the warehouse of Muskan Spare Parts.
The team also searched the residence of late freedom fighter Pandit Budh Ram Sharma. The rooms of his wife, Urmila Devi, and their sons, Raman Sharma, Ramesh Sharma and Lal Sharma, were examined. Investigators reportedly received information that stock associated with Hira Mahaseth was kept at these premises.
The ancestral residence of Krishna Thakur was also searched, along with locations linked to Shiv Kumar Raut, alias “Mehman,” a resident of Babubarhi.
Investigators are now attempting to determine the nature of the relationships between the individuals concerned, the searched properties and the alleged smuggling network. The authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the detailed contents of the seized materials or the conclusions drawn from them.
Alleged Illegal Business Worth More Than ₹250 Crore
According to police officials, Hira Mahaseth and her family members allegedly accumulated assets worth more than ₹250 crore through illegal activities. Investigators suspect that the network extended from Duhbi Bazaar in Madhubani to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
Officials familiar with the investigation allege that Hira’s son, Rajiv Mahaseth, operates the network from Kathmandu and manages smuggling activities between India and Nepal. Her other son, Randhir Mahaseth, and her father-in-law, Deependra Mahto, alias Ayodhya Mahto, are also reportedly linked to locations suspected of involvement in the trafficking of narcotics and electronic goods.
Investigators have also received information about a shop in Gaighat, in Nepal’s Udaypur district, which was allegedly being used as a front for the sale of narcotics and currency-exchange activities. The agency is examining the information and tracing financial transactions and contacts that may help establish the extent of the alleged cross-border network.
The suspected role of individual family members and associates remains subject to investigation.
Six Months of Surveillance; Hira Arrested in September
The NIA and Bihar Police had reportedly been monitoring Hira Mahaseth, her husband and other family members for approximately six months before the latest searches.
On August 2, a raid in the border area led to the recovery of counterfeit currency with a reported value of ₹50,150. Hira’s husband, Bharat Mahaseth, and her relative Shiv Kumar Raut, alias “Mehman,” were arrested during that operation. Hira allegedly escaped from the spot.
On September 15, a joint team of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Bihar Police arrested Hira Mahaseth from Duhbi Bazaar and sent her to jail.
According to the available information, five first information reports (FIRs) have been registered against her—four in Madhubani district and one in Sitamarhi district. The cases reportedly relate to liquor offences and violations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The latest searches are part of the broader investigation into the suspected network, its financial dealings and its alleged cross-border connections.
107-Kilometre Open Border Poses Security Challenges
The India-Nepal border adjoining Madhubani district stretches for approximately 107 kilometres. The open border and regular movement of local residents between the two countries make the prevention and detection of alleged smuggling a continuing challenge for security agencies. Duhbi Bazaar and Mahinathpur are located close to the no-man’s-land area.
To maintain secrecy during the operation, SSB personnel had deposited their mobile phones at the Jankinagar camp before the searches began.
Personnel from the SSB’s 48th Battalion participated in the operation. Officials present included Rural Superintendent of Police Shivam Dhakad, Jainagar Deputy Superintendent of Police Sadanand Kumar, SSB Deputy Commandants Hari Narayan Jat and Paras Rathi, Special Task Force Inspector Amit Kumar, Basopatti Block Development Officer Anil Kumar, Circle Officer Vikas and police station in-charge Kartik Bhagat.
NIA Deputy Superintendent of Police Kishlay Kumar Sinha said the agency had searched premises belonging to suspects and their contacts in connection with the alleged counterfeit-currency and narcotics-trafficking case.
He indicated that further action would depend on the analysis of the seized documents and materials. Investigators are expected to examine whether the evidence provides further information about the alleged smuggling network, its financial transactions, the assets under scrutiny and its cross-border links.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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