The Assam Special Task Force (STF), with support from the district police of Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta, has arrested three suspected operatives allegedly associated with the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) during a coordinated operation.
The action was carried out in connection with STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026 following intelligence inputs regarding the activities of the alleged network in Assam and other parts of the country.
According to the STF, the Shahzad Bhatti Network is suspected of carrying out recruitment, online radicalisation, reconnaissance, logistics support, espionage, illegal arms procurement, creation of sleeper cells and facilitation of terrorist activities.
Investigators believe the network functions under the guidance of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with handlers operating from Pakistan through encrypted communication platforms.
The STF further alleged that the organisation uses several front groups to conceal its activities and maintain cross-border links. These include the Khalistan Armed Force (KAF), Punjab Sovereignty Alliance (PSA), Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA), Sher-e-Punjab Brigade (SPB), United Sikh Brotherhood (USB), Sikh Tigers of Khalistan (STK) and Tehrik-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH).
Officials said the TTH had earlier claimed responsibility for the targeted killings of two Punjab Police personnel on February 22 and May 24 this year.
The network first came under the STF’s scanner during an investigation in Nalbari district, which resulted in the arrest of an alleged operative on May 22.
During Thursday’s operation, the STF arrested Akramul Islam (26) from Beparipara in Dhubri district, Aminur Rahman (22) from Dhupiri in Panbari under Chirang district, and Abdul Hussain (54) from Dabandia in Kalgachia of Barpeta district.
Searches conducted during the operation led to the seizure of five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, debit cards and other documents that investigators believe may be relevant to the case.
The STF said the investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged network’s operations and to identify any additional individuals connected to the case.
