The Special Task Force of Assam Police has arrested three suspected operatives linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network, a terrorist-criminal outfit allegedly operating under the directions of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, officials said on Saturday.
The coordinated operation was conducted on July 24 with the assistance of district police from Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta in connection with STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026. The action followed credible intelligence inputs regarding the network’s activities in the state. The arrested individuals have been identified as Akramul Islam, aged 26, a resident of Beparipara in Dhubri district; Aminur Rahman, aged 22, of Dhupiri in Panbari, Chirang district; and Abdul Hussain, aged 54, of Dabandia in Kalgachia, Barpeta district.
According to the STF, the Shahzad Bhatti Network is involved in recruitment, online radicalisation, reconnaissance, logistics, espionage, illegal procurement of arms, establishment of sleeper cells and facilitation of terrorist activities across different parts of the country. Intelligence inputs indicate that the network functions through Pakistan-based handlers using encrypted communication channels and maintains association with several front organisations, including the Khalistan Armed Force, Punjab Sovereignty Alliance, Khalistan Liberation Army, Sher-e-Punjab Brigade, United Sikh Brotherhood, Sikh Tigers of Khalistan and Tehrik-e-Taliban Hindustan. TTH had claimed responsibility for two targeted killings of Punjab Police personnel on February 22 and May 24 this year.
The network’s activities in Assam first came under the scanner during an investigation in Nalbari district, which resulted in the arrest of an alleged operative on May 22. During the latest operation, security forces recovered five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, debit cards and other incriminating documents from the possession of the arrested suspects.
Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Pegu said specific intelligence had flagged sabotage plans and anti-national activity by the Pakistan-run network, which he said had built sleeper cells first activated in Punjab, Haryana and other parts of India before its footprint reached Assam and the Northeast this year.
“Acting on this intelligence, the STF launched simultaneous operations yesterday in Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta, arresting three members of the network,” Pegu said.
Officials stated that further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the network’s operations in the region and to identify additional links. The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by Assam Police to disrupt cross-border terror and criminal modules attempting to establish a foothold in the Northeast.
