Assam STF Arrests Three Alleged Pakistan-Linked Operatives
Police claim suspects were part of the Shahzad Bhatti Network allegedly involved in radicalisation, espionage and sleeper cell activities
- Assam STF arrested three alleged members of the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network.
- Raids were conducted simultaneously in Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta districts.
- Mobile phones, SIM cards, bank documents and identity cards were seized.
- Police alleged the network was attempting to establish sleeper cells in India.
GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 25th July: The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police has arrested three alleged members of the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) in a coordinated counter-terrorism operation carried out across Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta districts, officials said.
The operation, conducted on July 24 with the assistance of district police, was launched in connection with STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026 following specific intelligence inputs.
The arrested persons have been identified as Akramul Islam (26) of Beparipara in Dhubri district, Aminur Rahman (22) of Panbari in Chirang district and Abdul Hussain (54) of Dabandia in Barpeta district.
According to the police, the Shahzad Bhatti Network is an alleged Pakistan-based terror-criminal network involved in recruiting operatives, online radicalisation, reconnaissance of potential targets, anti-India propaganda, logistical support, espionage, illegal procurement of arms, creation of sleeper cells and facilitating terrorist activities in India.
Investigators alleged that the network operates through encrypted communication channels, maintains links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and receives directions from anti-India elements based in Pakistan.
Police further claimed that the network has alleged links with several extremist organisations, including the 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). Investigators also alleged that TTH had earlier claimed responsibility for the killing of two Punjab Police personnel in separate incidents this year.
According to the police, the network’s presence in Assam first came to light during an investigation in Nalbari district on May 22, 2026, when an alleged SBN operative was arrested.
During the latest operation, the STF seized five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, debit cards and other documents that are being examined as part of the investigation.
Speaking on the operation, STF SSP Pranab Kumar Pegu said the action was based on intelligence inputs regarding alleged sabotage plans and anti-national activities linked to the Pakistan-based network.
“We received specific intelligence inputs about sabotage plans and anti-national activities allegedly being organised by the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network, which is attempting to establish sleeper cells in India. Acting on these inputs, simultaneous operations were carried out in Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta, leading to the arrest of three alleged members of the network,” Pegu said.
Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of the alleged network’s activities and identify any additional operatives or links within the region.
