Assam STF arrests fourth operative in Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network case

Guwahati: In continuation of the investigation into Special Task force (STF) case and acting on leads developed from the earlier arrests and subsequent investigative findings, STF, Assam, in a joint operation with Hailakandi District Police, apprehended another alleged operative of the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) from the Ramnathpur Police

Station area of Hailakandi district in the early hours of Wednesday

Assam police stated that the apprehended person has been identified as Fazal Islam Barbhuiyan (21 years), who had been evading arrest in connection with STF P.S. Case No.


06/2026. "Incriminating articles and documents were recovered and seized

from his possession during the operation.

With this apprehension, the total number of arrests in connection with the

SBN case has risen to four (04), following the earlier arrests of SBN operatives

from Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta districts.

The operation forms part of STF, Assam’s sustained investigation and action

against extremist and anti-national networks and their operatives."

On July 25 this year the Special Task Force of Assam Police on said it has unearthed a terror module linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti network and arrested three alleged operatives in the state.

The STF of Assam Police had conducted a coordinated operation with the assistance of district police of Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta.

During the operation, the STF apprehended Akramul Islam from Dhubri, Aminur Rahman from Chirang, and Abdul Hussain from Barpeta," police said.

Police added the operation also resulted in the seizure of five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, debit cards and other incriminating documents.

The operation was launched based on credible intelligence regarding the activities of the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), a Pakistan-based terrorist-criminal network, involved in recruitment, online radicalisation, reconnaissance, logistics, espionage, illegal procurement of arms, establishment of sleeper cells, and facilitation of terrorist activities in different parts of the country, police said.

According to the investigation and intelligence inputs forming part of the case, the network is alleged to operate in association with and under the directions of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) through Pakistan-based handlers and encrypted communication channels.

Police said investigations further indicate that the network operates through and is associated with several front organisations, including 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 (TTH), which are allegedly used to conceal its operational structure and cross-border links.

During 2026, TTH claimed responsibility for the targeted killings of two Punjab Police personnel, Assam police said. The network's activities in Assam first came to light during an investigation in Nalbari district, leading to the arrest of an alleged operative on May 22 this year, police had stated.