Naxalites in Bihar have allegedly taken to supplying firearms to criminals in return for a fee and a share of loot, much to the alarm of police.

The deal between members of the banned outfit and the criminals came to light after the arrest of alleged robber Chandeshwar Singh, a resident of Singiyahi Road in Sitamarhi in north Bihar, on Friday. The police claimed that this was the first time they have come across such a nexus.

Singh was arrested in Pupari, around 110km north of Patna. During interrogation, he told the police that criminals from Nepal often cross the border to commit robbery and other crimes in Bihar.

The police added that Singh had admitted to two recent incidents of robbery, including one at the home of a Life Insurance Corporation of India employee at Pupari in Sitamarhi on March 19.

Pupari sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Shahi Shanker said Singh, alias Chhotelal, told the interrogators that his gang of seven members was active in Sitamarhi and neighbouring Sheohar district. He also told the police that his gang had been supplied arms by the Naxalites, the officer said.

“Chhotelal also said the Naxalites get a share of the loot. If his statement is true, then there is no difference between the criminals and the rebels,” the SDPO said.

He added that even senior police officers were surprised by Chhotelal’s confessions, as there has been no substantial evidence till date to suggest a nexus between criminals and the rebels.

Shanker said during interrogation, Chhotelal disclosed the name of one Mithu Sah, a suspected Naxalite based in Sheohar, who used to provide firearms to the members of the gang. Chhotelal claimed that he had bought a desi katta (countrymade pistol) from Sah for Rs 1,400.

“The Maoists get their share for supplying firearms to the criminal gangs operating in the areas close to the Nepal border,” the SDPO said.

Police sources said the exchange with the Naxalites was not the only starting revelation made by Chhotelal. He also told the police that criminals from Nepal had been involved in robberies in Sitamarhi.

“The police have been tipped off about the involvement of criminals from Nepal in robberies committed under Sursand police station on January 1 and May 24 this year,” the SDPO said.

Police sources said the robbers, who attacked Nawadih village recently, had come from across the border. “The police suspected the involvement of Nepalese criminals in another house robbery at Kanchanpur village under Bajpatti police station,” a senior police officer told The Telegraph.

The rise in the crime rate in Sitamarhi has made the police sit up and take notice.

“Hardly a day passes when a robbery is not reported in Sitamarhi district,” said a resident on condition of anonymity.

At least 15 incidents have been reported from Sitamarhi in the past three months, in which property worth over Rs 25 lakh has been robbed. A gang of criminals was caught at Sonbarsa following an encounter, said another police officer.