Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Aug 26: The Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a 21-year-old man allegedly linked to the Pakistan-based Shahadat-e-Bhatti Network (SBN) in Hailakandi district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to four, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Fazal Islam Barbhuiya, was apprehended during a joint operation by the STF and Hailakandi Police at Ramanathpur in the district.

According to officials, Barbhuiya was allegedly associated with the banned organisation and had been evading arrest. He was wanted in connection with STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026, registered as part of an investigation into the alleged activities of the Pakistan-based network.

Security personnel also recovered objectionable materials and documents from the accused during the operation.

Authorities are examining the seized material to establish the nature and extent of Barbhuiya's alleged association with the SBN and identify other individuals who may be connected to the network.

The latest arrest comes amid a series of operations by the Assam STF against suspected extremist networks operating in different parts of the state.

Earlier, police arrested suspects in Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta districts in connection with the SBN case. With Barbhuiya's arrest in Hailakandi, the number of accused arrested in the case has risen to four.

Investigators are examining the backgrounds and alleged activities of those arrested to determine the extent of their links with the banned organisation. Authorities are also probing whether the accused were part of a wider network with connections beyond Assam.

The Assam Police STF has intensified operations against suspected extremist and anti-national networks and is investigating individuals allegedly involved in such activities.

Officials said the investigation is continuing and further arrests cannot be ruled out as investigators examine the evidence and alleged network connections.