A 25-year-old woman has been apprehended for alleged liquor smuggling after being discovered with 75 litres of branded alcoholic beverages in the AC First Class coach of the Swatantrata Senani Express in Samastipur, Bihar. The woman was reportedly travelling without a valid ticket, accompanied by her brother-in-law, who was also without a ticket. Their arrest has sparked an investigation into a suspected liquor distribution network operating in Darbhanga.

The suspect, Neha Jha, hails from Bari village under the jurisdiction of the Singhia police station in Samastipur district. The operation that led to her apprehension was initiated following a tip-off received by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Crime Intelligence Bureau (CIB) from Varanasi, indicating a woman carrying liquor on the train.

Upon the train’s arrival at Samastipur station, RPF and CIB personnel conducted a search of the H-1 coach. Upon reaching the locked coupe number seven, they were admitted by the occupants, which revealed Neha and her brother-in-law, identified as Ishan Kumar. The officers discovered multiple bottles of branded liquor hidden within two suitcases during the search.

Claims During Interrogation

During questioning by authorities, Neha allegedly stated that the AC First Class berth had been booked under Ishan’s name, a claim that was later disproven as it was revealed that Ishan too lacked a valid ticket. Following the questioning, the RPF transferred both Neha and Ishan to the Government Railway Police (GRP) for further legal processing.

Neha purportedly informed officials that the liquor was purchased in Haryana and was intended for a wedding celebration. Police are currently assessing this claim and investigating if the liquor was indeed meant for delivery in Bihar. The mobile phone records of both individuals are being scrutinised to trace their contacts and travel history.

Officials believe that the investigation could uncover further connections to the alleged liquor supply network, raising concerns about the potential scale of illegal activities in the region.

Background of Allegations

It has come to light that Neha’s family has a history linked to liquor smuggling incidents. Her father, Sanjay Jha, who previously worked in agriculture, was arrested by the Singhia police in a separate liquor-smuggling case. In addition, her elder sister, Nishu Jha, was apprehended by the Darbhanga Excise Department on November 30, 2025, with 21 litres of foreign liquor.

Neha is reported to be the youngest of four sisters. Another sister, Anju Jha, is employed at a diagnostic centre in Darbhanga, while the fourth sister, Anshu Jha, is married to Ishan Kumar, who was travelling with Neha at the time of the seizure. Neha has reportedly completed her graduation from KS College in Darbhanga.

The ongoing investigation is also looking into claims that Neha was posing as a medical representative, allegedly supplying branded liquor to medical professionals and other influential persons in Darbhanga. Police are dedicated to ascertaining the extent of her involvement and identifying further individuals who may have participated in or facilitated these activities within the dry state.

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