Assam STF Dismantles Global Terror Module in Joint Operation

In a major breakthrough, Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF), in coordination with Kerala and West Bengal Police, has successfully dismantled a global terror module. This operation, named “Operation Praghat”, led to the arrest of eight individuals, including a Bangladeshi national. The module was linked to Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent.

The arrests were the result of prolonged investigations into intelligence inputs regarding anti-national activities spearheaded by Md. Farhan Israk, an associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani, ABT’s chief. Authorities revealed that Md. Sad Radi, alias Md. Shab Seikh, a Bangladeshi national, entered India illegally in November 2024. His mission involved spreading extremist ideologies and establishing sleeper cells. Before relocating to Kerala, he visited Assam and West Bengal to recruit individuals sharing similar views.

The STF, led by its Chief, Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, IPS, launched synchronized search-and-seizure operations on December 17-18, 2024. These efforts culminated in arrests across three states. Among those apprehended were:

– Md. Sad Radi, a Bangladeshi national, in Kerala for lacking valid travel documents.
– Minarul Sheikh and Md. Abbas Ali in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
– Nurul Islam Mandal, Abdul Karim Mandal, Mojibar Rahman, and Hamidul Islam in Kokrajhar, Assam.
– Enamul Hoque in Dhubri, Assam.

During the operation, investigators seized critical evidence, including mobile phones with suspicious apps, propaganda material, Bangladeshi-issued identity documents, and pen drives. These items highlighted the module’s plans to establish sleeper cells in Assam and West Bengal, exploiting local vulnerabilities and religious sentiments.

Preliminary investigations revealed Nurul Islam Mandal’s central role in recruitment efforts. Previously arrested in 2015 for anti-national activities, Mandal orchestrated meetings in Murshidabad and Falakata, West Bengal. Discussions focused on targeting Hindu organizations and plotting assassinations of religious leaders to incite unrest.

The module’s activities extended to procuring arms and ammunition, emphasizing its intent to wage war against the Indian state. Evidence indicates plans to destabilize national security and strengthen extremist groups’ capabilities.

The STF continues to probe the module’s network, seeking to identify additional collaborators. Senior officials within Assam Police are monitoring the investigation to ensure complete dismantling of this terror nexus.

“Operation Praghat” showcases Indian law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security and maintaining communal harmony.

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