GUWAHATI: The Special Task Force (STF), Assam, arrested a 21-year-old man allegedly linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) in Hailakandi in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, taking the total number of arrests in the case to four.
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The accused, identified as Fazal Islam Barbhuiyan, was apprehended from the Ramnathpur Police Station area during a joint operation by the STF and Hailakandi District Police.
Barbhuiyan was allegedly evading arrest in connection with STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026. The STF said the operation was carried out based on leads developed during the investigation and information gathered following the earlier arrests in the case.
Incriminating articles and documents were recovered and seized from his possession, the STF said.
The three arrested earlier were identified as Akramul Islam, 26, of Beparipara in Dhubri; Aminur Rahman, 22, of Dhupiri in Panbari, Chirang; and Abdul Hussain, 54, of Dabandia in Kolgachia, Barpeta.
During the earlier operation, the STF had seized five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, debit cards and other documents.
Police have said that the SBN uses encrypted communication systems and is involved in activities including recruitment, propaganda and logistical support.
The STF said the investigation is continuing as part of its efforts to identify and take action against alleged extremist and anti-national networks and their operatives in Assam.