Assam Police Arrest Three Suspected Terror Operatives Linked to Pakistan Network

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Assam Police's Special Task Force has arrested three individuals suspected of being linked to a Pakistan-based terrorist network. The operation, conducted with support from local police teams, led to the seizure of various electronic devices and documents that may provide insights into the network's activities. The Shahzad Bhatti Network is believed to be involved in recruitment, radicalization, and logistics for terrorist activities across India. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of this network's operations and connections to other extremist groups.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2026, 14:21 IST

Major Counter-Terrorism Operation in Assam

(Left to Right respectively) Accused Akramul Islam, Abul Hussain and Aminur Rahman (Photo: AT)

Guwahati, July 25: In a significant counter-terrorism initiative, the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police has detained three individuals suspected of being part of a terrorist-criminal network allegedly operating from Pakistan.

The arrests occurred during a well-coordinated operation on Friday, involving police teams from Dhubri, Chirang, and Barpeta districts, linked to STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026.

The suspects have been named as Akramul Islam (26) from Beparipara in Dhubri, Aminur Rahman (22) from Dhupiri, Panbari in Chirang, and Abdul Hussain (54) from Dabandia in Kalgachia, Barpeta.

During the operation, the STF recovered five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, debit cards, and other documents believed to be vital for uncovering the network's operations.

According to Assam Police, the operation was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), which is suspected to be a Pakistan-based terrorist-criminal organization.

"The operation was conducted following credible intelligence about the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), which is allegedly involved in recruitment, online radicalization, reconnaissance, logistics, espionage, illegal arms procurement, establishing sleeper cells, and facilitating terrorist activities across various regions of the country," stated the police.

Authorities suspect that the network communicates with operatives in India through encrypted channels, managed by handlers based in Pakistan.

"Investigations and intelligence inputs suggest that the SBN operates under the guidance of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), utilizing encrypted communication to coordinate with its operatives in India," the police report added.

Further investigations have indicated potential connections between the SBN and several groups, 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).

These organizations are believed to serve as fronts to obscure the operational framework and cross-border ties of the network.

Authorities also noted that TTH claimed responsibility for the targeted killings of two Punjab Police officers on February 22 and May 24 of this year, highlighting the network's alleged involvement in extremist violence.

The network first attracted attention in Assam during an investigation in Nalbari district, which resulted in the arrest of a suspected operative on May 22, 2026. Further inquiries are ongoing to assess the full scope of the network's activities within the state.