Hailakandi Man Held in Assam STF Crackdown on Suspected Extremist Network

The Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday arrested a 21‑year‑old man, Fazal Islam Barbhuiya, from Ramanathpur in Hailakandi district on suspicion of links to the Pakistan‑based Shahadat‑e‑Bhatti Network (SBN). The arrest, carried out jointly by the STF and Hailakandi Police, brings the total number of people detained in the case to four.

Officials said Barbhuiya had been evading arrest and was wanted in connection with STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026. Security personnel recovered objectionable materials and documents during the operation; these items will be examined to determine the nature of his alleged ties to the network and to identify any other individuals involved.

The latest arrest follows earlier detentions in Dhubri, Chirang and Barpeta. The Assam STF has been conducting sustained operations against suspected extremist networks accused of anti‑national activities across the state. Investigations into the case and the links of those arrested are ongoing.