Assam Police Busts Pakistan-Linked Shahzad Bhatti Terror Network, Three Held

Assam Police has busted an alleged terror module linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) and arrested three suspected operatives, officials said.

The arrests were made during a coordinated operation by the Special Task Force (STF) on Friday, with assistance from police in Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta districts. One suspect was apprehended from each district.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the arrests marked the first instance in the state of suspected jihadi elements being caught with direct links to Pakistan. He noted that earlier arrests in Assam had primarily involved alleged links to Bangladesh-based extremist networks.

The operation led to the seizure of five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, debit cards and other incriminating documents. Further investigation is underway.

STF Senior Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Pegu said the operation was launched following credible intelligence regarding the activities of the Shahzad Bhatti network. According to investigators, the Pakistan-based terrorist-criminal network is allegedly involved in recruitment, online radicalisation, reconnaissance, logistics, espionage, illegal arms procurement, sleeper-cell formation and facilitating terrorist activities in different parts of India.

Pegu further said intelligence inputs indicate that the network allegedly operates in association with and under the direction of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) through Pakistan-based handlers and encrypted communication channels.

Police have also alleged that the network is associated with several front organisations, including the Khalistan Armed Force, Punjab Sovereignty Alliance, Khalistan Liberation Army, Sher-e-Punjab Brigade, United Sikh Brotherhood, Sikh Tigers of Khalistan and Tehrik-e-Taliban Hindustan.

According to the STF, the network's activities in Assam first came to light during an investigation in Nalbari district, which resulted in the arrest of an alleged operative on May 22. The latest arrests are part of the continuing investigation into the network's suspected operations and links in the state.