NIA Arrests Six in Barpeta District Over Alleged Anti-National Activities

In a significant operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested six individuals in Barpeta district linked to alleged anti-national activities. The arrests include residents from various localities, with families expressing concern over the lack of information regarding the detentions. The NIA's investigation is part of a broader effort to dismantle militant networks in the region, with previous links to the banned JMB organization. As the agency continues its inquiries, searches are also being conducted in West Bengal, highlighting the ongoing threat of radicalization among youth. This situation raises questions about security and community safety in the area.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 29, 2026, 17:12 IST

NIA's Recent Arrests in Barpeta

Three of the six accused arrested by the NIA were from areas under Sorbhog Police Station. (Photo: AT)

Nalbari, Sept 29: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended six individuals across various locations in Barpeta district as part of an ongoing inquiry into suspected anti-national activities.

The arrested individuals include Faruk Abdullah, Zakir Hussain, and Chandbar Ali from Bogariguri Pathar under Sorbhog police station; Yakub Ali from Nisuka village; Rakibul Islam from Jasihatipara under Howly Police Station; and Mustafijur Rahman from Azad Nagar in Barpeta Road.

Family members of Abdullah reported that NIA officials arrived at their home around 2 AM to conduct a search. His father mentioned that two mobile phones were confiscated, and identity documents such as Aadhaar and PAN cards were examined.

“Abdullah has been employed at a computer shop for the past four to five years and is the primary provider for our family. He is a graduate and married,” his father stated.

The family sought information from the police but received no details regarding the arrest. They learned that Abdullah was taken to Guwahati, along with two others from his village.

Regarding Rakibul Islam, his uncle mentioned that they were informed he had been taken to a police station.

“Islam had been running a chicken business in Arunachal Pradesh but has been unemployed and at home for about a year,” he added.

NIA officials also detained Mustafijur Rahman from Azad Nagar and searched his home, according to his relatives. One relative noted that his mobile phone was seized.

Rahman had previously faced arrest by the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) and was released on bail after spending approximately three months in custody.

“He was arrested due to a social media group found on his phone, but I do not have further details,” the relative explained.

“He was taken for further investigation. The NIA team arrived around 5 AM on Tuesday and departed by 8:15 AM after seizing a phone,” they added.

Rahman operates a clothing store in Barpeta Road town. His family mentioned that he was arrested by the Assam STF on March 14 and released from Guwahati Central Jail about two months ago.

The agency has previously investigated a faction of JMB accused of trying to extend its influence in West Bengal and northeastern states, including Assam and Tripura.

As part of this investigation, NIA teams conducted searches at five locations in West Bengal on Tuesday, including areas in Diamond Harbour, South 24 Parganas, Harirampur in South Dinajpur, and parts of East Burdwan district.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that a youth was arrested in Assam last week on suspicions of militant involvement.

Investigators reportedly established his connections with JMB, and information obtained during his questioning indicated an active module in West Bengal, according to the sources.

The investigation is also looking into alleged attempts to radicalize young individuals and recruit them into the banned Bangladesh-based organization, as per the sources.