Assam STF Arrests Suspected Operative Linked to Pakistan Network

Arrest of Mrigen Haloi by Assam STF

Nalbari, Sept 1: The Assam Special Task Force (STF) has detained a 31-year-old man from Nalbari, identified as Mrigen Haloi, on suspicion of being an operative for the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN). This brings the total number of arrests in this case to five.

Haloi's family and neighbors have strongly defended him, labeling him as 'innocent' and calling for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

He was taken into custody from a rented accommodation in Gauripur, Changsari, during the early hours of August 31. Reports indicate that he was employed at the Sagar Steel Processing and Manufacturing Unit.

With Haloi's arrest, the ongoing investigation into the SBN case has now seen five individuals apprehended.

According to a social media update from the STF, 'In connection with STF P.S. Case No. 06/2026, STF, Assam apprehended Mrigen Haloi (31), a suspected operative linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN).'

The STF has reported that they seized incriminating materials from Haloi and uncovered his connections with several individuals in Pakistan believed to be part of the network.

Despite the allegations, Haloi's family has dismissed the claims and is urging for a fair and thorough investigation. His mother stated that she had spoken to him on Sunday morning and was unaware of any actions that could link him to the accusations. 'If he had done something wrong, I would have known, but he wasn’t involved in anything like that,' she asserted.

Haloi's family mentioned that he had not passed his Class 10 exams and had moved to Amingaon in search of employment. Initially, he intended to return home in August but later informed them he would stay until he received his salary.

Another relative suggested that investigators should check his phone records to determine if someone else might have used his phone for suspicious calls. 'There could be chances where his phone has been used by someone else to make certain phone calls,' they noted.

Neighbors have also supported the family's claims, with one suggesting that there might be a conspiracy against Haloi. They have appealed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the DGP for a thorough investigation.

This latest arrest follows four previous detentions in the same case. On July 25, the STF arrested Akramul Islam from Dhubri, Aminur Rahman from Chirang, and Abdul Hussain from Barpeta. Additionally, Fazal Islam Barbhuiyan was apprehended from Ramnathpur in Hailakandi on August 26 based on earlier investigative leads.

The STF has indicated that the investigation aims to expose the broader network and its alleged activities within Assam.