Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a suspected operative allegedly linked to a Pakistan-based terrorist network in Hailakandi district. According to police, the 21-year-old suspect was detained from the Ramnathpur area on Wednesday during a joint operation involving the STF and Hailakandi Police.
Police suspect that the arrested man was associated with the alleged Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. Authorities said the arrest followed intelligence gathered during the investigation into three suspected operatives arrested on July 25 from Assam’s Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta districts.
According to officials, the latest arrest in Hailakandi was based on information obtained during the investigation into the earlier case. After the three arrests on July 25, security agencies began examining the suspects’ contacts, activities and potential network.
Information gathered during the investigation helped the STF identify another suspected operative in Hailakandi and monitor his activities. The STF and local police subsequently conducted a joint operation in the Ramnathpur area and arrested the 21-year-old suspect.
Officials said the action could help investigators establish the alleged network’s local contacts and understand its operations.
Security agencies are investigating the nature of the arrested suspect’s contacts with other members of the alleged network. Investigators are examining whether his association was limited to online or communication channels or whether his alleged role extended beyond them.
According to police sources, agencies are collecting information about the suspect’s contacts, communications and potential associates. They are also examining how the alleged network expanded its contacts in Assam.
The arrests of three suspected operatives from Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta on July 25 provided a key basis for the investigation. Agencies subsequently expanded the probe and sought to identify other individuals potentially connected with the alleged Shahzad Bhatti Network.
The investigation led agencies to the 21-year-old suspect living in the Ramnathpur area of Hailakandi. Officials said linking cases reported in different districts could help investigators establish the structure and contacts of the alleged network.
The investigation remains underway, with security agencies verifying the information gathered so far.
Security agencies are investigating the alleged Pakistan-based network’s local contacts, digital communications and potential financial or logistical links. The Hailakandi arrest is being examined as part of the broader investigation into the alleged network and its activities.
Officials said it is not yet clear how extensive the arrested suspect’s alleged role was or how long he had been in contact with the network. Investigators are also checking whether his activities were connected to the suspects arrested in other districts.
Any further arrests or action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
The arrest of an individual does not by itself establish guilt. The allegations against the suspect will be subject to investigation, evidence and the legal process, and any final determination regarding his role will be made through the appropriate legal proceedings.
The STF and Hailakandi Police are continuing to investigate other potential contacts linked to the alleged network and are examining the clues obtained from the earlier arrests alongside the latest case.
The arrest of the 21-year-old suspect in Hailakandi has extended the investigation into the alleged Pakistan-based terrorist network beyond the districts where three suspected operatives were arrested on July 25.
Security agencies are examining the suspect’s alleged role, his contacts and whether the organisation had established links in other parts of Assam. Investigators are continuing to verify intelligence and other information obtained during the arrests.
Further action will be taken under law if the investigation establishes the involvement of additional individuals or organisations.
