GUWAHATI: The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police on Friday, July 24, arrested three persons allegedly linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), officials said on Saturday.
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The arrested have been identified as Akramul Islam (26) of Beparipara, Dhubri; Aminur Rahman (22) of Dhupiri, Panbari, Chirang; and Abdul Hussain (54) of Dabandia, Kolgachia, Barpeta.
Five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, debit cards and other documents were seized during the raid.
The SBN allegedly conducts its activities through encrypted (clandestine) communication systems, maintaining ties with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), at the behest of anti-India forces based in Pakistan.
Intelligence inputs suggest SBN is a Pakistan-based terrorist-criminal network involved in recruitment, online militancy, anti-India propaganda, logistical support, illegal intelligence activities, arms collection and formation of sleeper cells.
SSP STF Pranab Kr Pegu told reporters that the arrested individuals were allegedly involved in facilitating these activities.
Police further claimed the network operates through or maintains links with 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).
According to police, TTH had claimed responsibility for the killings of two Punjab policemen on February 22 and May 24.
The network’s activities in Assam first came to light on May 22, when an SBN member was arrested in Nalbari district.
The investigation is ongoing.