Guwahati, 26 August (HS): The Special Task Force (STF), Assam, in a joint operation with Hailakandi District Police, apprehended another alleged operative of the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) from the Ramnathpur Police Station area of Hailakandi district in the early hours of Wednesday.

The arrest was made in connection with STF P.S. Case No. 06/2026, based on leads developed during the investigation following earlier arrests.

The apprehended person has been identified as Fazal Islam Barbhuiyan, 21. According to the STF, he had been evading arrest in connection with the case. Incriminating articles and documents were also recovered and seized from his possession.

With his apprehension, the total number of arrests in connection with the SBN case has risen to four. Earlier, alleged SBN operatives were arrested from Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta districts.

The STF said the operation is part of its sustained investigation and action against extremist and anti-national networks and their operatives.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash