Assam authorities arrest fifth suspect linked to Shahzad Bhatti Network

The Assam Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a fifth individual in connection with the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN). The latest arrest involves 31-year-old Mrigen Haloi, a resident of Nalbari, who was apprehended in the early hours of August 31 from a rented house in Kamrup. Investigators claim to have seized incriminating articles and identified contacts between Haloi and several Pakistan-based individuals associated with the network. Haloi’s family has denied the allegations, calling him innocent and requesting a thorough investigation into his phone records.

This follows the August 26 arrest of 21-year-old Fazal Islam Barbhuiyan in the Hailakandi district. Authorities stated that Barbhuiyan’s mobile phone records suggested contact with terrorist groups via social media platforms like Instagram. The STF alleges that the SBN utilizes encrypted communication and maintains links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with the suspected goal of establishing sleeper cells across Assam and the Northeast region. Prior to these recent arrests, three other individuals had been apprehended in the Dhubri, Chirang, and Barpeta districts during July.