Guwahati, 25 July (HS): The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police has arrested three alleged members of the Pakistan-based terror-criminal outfit Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) during a coordinated operation in the Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta districts of lower Assam. Mobile phones, SIM cards, banking documents and other incriminating materials were seized during the operation, while further investigation is underway.
According to the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Assam Police, the joint operation was conducted on July 24 in connection with STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026, with assistance from the district police of Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta.
The arrested persons have been identified as Akramul Islam (26) of Beparipara in Dhubri district, Aminur Rahman (22) of Dhupiri, Panbari in Chirang district, and Abdul Hussain (54) of Dabandiya, Kalgachia in Barpeta district.
Police said the operation was launched following credible intelligence regarding the activities of the Shahzad Bhatti Network. Investigators allege that the Pakistan-based network is involved in recruiting individuals, spreading online radicalisation, conducting reconnaissance, providing logistical support, espionage, facilitating illegal procurement of weapons, creating sleeper cells and supporting terrorist activities across different parts of the country.
Preliminary investigation and intelligence inputs further suggest that the network uses encrypted communication channels to coordinate with handlers based in Pakistan and allegedly operates under the direction of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Investigators have also alleged that the network uses several front organisations to conceal its activities and cross-border links. The names that have surfaced during the probe include Khalistan Armed Force (KAF), Punjab Sovereignty Alliance (PSA), Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA), Sher-e-Punjab Brigade (SPB), United Sikh Brotherhood (USB), Sikh Tigers of Khalistan (STK) and Tehrik-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH).
According to the police, TTH had claimed responsibility for two targeted killings of Punjab Police personnel on February 22 and May 24 this year. Assam Police first detected the network's presence in the state during an investigation in Nalbari district, which led to the arrest of a suspected member on May 22, 2026.
During the latest operation, STF recovered five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, debit cards and other documents. Police said efforts are continuing to identify other members of the network and trace its wider links.------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
