Assam police arrest Pakistan-linked operative in Hailakandi

Guwahati, Aug 26 (IANS) The Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a 21‑year‑old man allegedly linked to the Pakistan‑based Shahadat‑e‑Bhatti Network (SBN) in Hailakandi district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to four, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Fazal Islam Barbhuiya, was apprehended during a joint operation conducted by the STF and Hailakandi Police at Ramanathpur in the district. He was allegedly associated with the banned organisation and had been evading arrest, officials said.

Barbhuiya was wanted in connection with STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026, registered as part of the investigation into the alleged activities of the Pakistan‑based network. During the operation, security personnel also recovered objectionable materials and documents from the accused. Authorities are examining the seized materials to determine the nature and extent of his alleged association with the SBN and to identify other individuals who may be connected to the network.

The latest arrest comes amid a series of operations by the Assam STF against suspected extremist networks operating in different parts of the state. Earlier, police made arrests in Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta districts in connection with the SBN case. With Barbhuiya’s arrest in Hailakandi, the total number of accused arrested in the case has risen to four.

Investigators are currently examining the backgrounds and alleged activities of those arrested to establish the extent of their links with the banned organisation. Authorities are also probing whether the accused were part of a wider network with connections beyond the state.

The Assam Police STF has stepped up operations against suspected extremist and anti‑national networks and has been conducting investigations to identify individuals allegedly involved in such activities. Officials said further investigation is underway, and additional arrests cannot be ruled out as investigators continue to examine the evidence and alleged network connections.

–IANS

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