Guwahati, 31 October (HS): Four members of the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police - IGP Partha Sarathi Mahanta and heads of STF - Kalyan Kumar Pathak, Additional SP; Hemant Kachari, LNK and Rajkumar Kaibart, UB Constable have been awarded the Union Home Minister Efficiency Medal in Special Operations Area by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This prestigious honor recognizes their outstanding contribution in solving Assam's most critical criminal issues from 21 March 2023 to 20 March 2024.

Under the leadership of IGP Partha Sarathi Mahanta, the STF has delivered impressive results through strategic operations targeting drug trafficking, counterfeit currency and rhino poaching. Notably, the team has dismantled large-scale drug networks, seizing substantial quantities of illicit narcotics, including heroin. These operations have not only eradicated organised crime but also helped in securing the youth of Assam from the menace of drug abuse to a great extent.

Apart from these achievements, STF has also played a vital role in preventing infiltration of Rohingyas from Bangladesh into Assam. In yet another demonstration of its effectiveness, STF achieved a major success in the month of March of the current year by arresting ISIS India Chief Harish Farooqui and his associates who were planning sabotage activities in the region.

This operation broke the backbone of ISIS operations in India, which was a significant victory for the security efforts of Assam. Subrata Kumar Sen, Additional SP, Cachar and Amrit Kumar Singha, Inspector, OC Silchar Police Station have been awarded the Union Home Minister Efficiency Medal under the field of Investigation for their systematic investigation with professional approach in Silchar Police Station Case No. 2754/22.

On November 7, 2022, the police recovered the body of 36-year-old Jharna Panda on Katla Road with severe head injury marks. After an extensive investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Additional SP, CCTV footage was carefully analysed, leading to the identification and arrest of three accused- Bijay Das, Bikram Das and Parimal Das. The vehicle involved in the incident was also recovered and its driver confessed to having run over Jharna. The SIT successfully solved the murder within 48 hours.

Assam Director General of Police GP Singh has congratulated all the medal winners for their outstanding professional commitments.--------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash