NIA Court Clears Way for Gujarat Police to Take Custody of Bihar-Based Bank Heist ‘Mastermind’

Authorities in Patna have granted the request for the transfer of a notorious gang leader to face interrogation regarding a major daylight robbery in Surat.

The legal process to bring a high-profile criminal to justice moved forward on Tuesday as a special NIA court in Patna directed authorities at the Beur Central Jail to hand over the custody of Kundan Kumar, also known as Kundan Bhagat. The 29-year-old, currently detained in Bihar for his alleged involvement in an interstate arms smuggling and terror-financing operation, is now the primary focus of a wide-reaching investigation into the April 27 heist at the State Bank of India’s Varachha branch in Surat.

A Sophisticated Criminal Syndicate

Surat police officials have identified Bhagat as the alleged architect behind the brazen robbery, during which a group of armed men snatched approximately Rs 50 lakh from the bank after threatening staff and customers. Investigators believe the operation was coordinated from inside the prison walls, with Bhagat allegedly using mobile applications to direct his associates across several states. The gang had reportedly conducted extensive reconnaissance, scouting nearly ten different bank locations before settling on the Varachha branch, noting that metro construction work in the vicinity would provide cover for their escape.

Security Measures for a High-Risk Transfer

Surat Deputy Superintendent of Police (Zone 1) Alok Kumar confirmed that preparations for the transfer are in the final stages. A dedicated team of Gujarat police officers has been stationed in Patna for the past two months, coordinating with local officials to ensure the secure transit of the dreaded gangster. "We are not taking any chances," said the Deputy SP, noting that additional personnel have been deployed to Bihar to bolster security for the journey back to Gujarat.

From Arms Smuggling to Bank Robberies

Bhagat has been a figure of interest for federal agencies since his arrest in November 2025 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Charges against him include illegal procurement of prohibited weaponry from Nagaland and supplying arms to criminal groups and Naxalite factions. Beyond the Surat bank heist, he is suspected of involvement in other high-value crimes, including a 2023 jewellery showroom robbery in Dehradun where goods worth Rs 14 crore were taken.

Ongoing Investigation

While two suspects, Shubham Thakur and Vikramjit Singh Rajput, were apprehended in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, on May 7, authorities hope that obtaining direct custody of Bhagat will provide the missing links in the conspiracy. So far, only a small fraction of the stolen cash—roughly Rs 19,000—has been recovered. Investigators are confident that once Bhagat is brought to Surat, they will be able to identify the remaining members of the syndicate and recover the rest of the missing funds.