Guwahati: Assam Police have dismantled an active terror module linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti network, arresting three alleged operatives across different districts in the state. Officials confirmed on Saturday that the Special Task Force conducted a synchronized operation on Friday in coordination with local police teams from Dhubri, Chirang, and Barpeta. One suspect was apprehended from each of the three districts during the multi-location crackdown.
Senior Superintendent of Police for the STF, Pranab Kumar Pegu, stated that the operation was launched following intelligence inputs indicating that the Pakistan-based network was actively pursuing recruitment, online radicalisation, espionage, and sleeper cell setup across India. Investigating agencies allege that the network operates under the direction of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence using encrypted communication platforms. The syndicate reportedly functions through several front organisations, including the Khalistan Liberation Army, Sikh Tigers of Khalistan, and Tehrik-e-Taliban Hindustan, to mask its cross-border operations.
During the raids, STF personnel seized five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, bank passbooks, debit cards, identification documents, and various incriminating materials. The network’s presence in Assam was initially detected in May 2026 following an operative’s arrest in Nalbari district. Authorities noted that further investigations are underway to trace additional local linkages, procurement channels, and financial networks connected to the module.
