Assam STF arrests 4th Pakistan-linked SBN operative in Hailakandi
Synopsis
The Assam STF has now arrested four people allegedly linked to the Pakistan-based Shahadat-e-Bhatti Network, with the latest pick-up in Hailakandi — a district not previously in the spotlight. The multi-district trail from Dhubri to Chirang to Barpeta to Hailakandi points to a network with a wider alleged footprint than initially disclosed, and investigators say more arrests are possible.
Key Takeaways
Fazal Islam Barbhuiya , 21 , arrested in Hailakandi district by the Assam Police STF on 26 August 2026 .
He is the fourth person arrested in connection with the Shahadat-e-Bhatti Network (SBN) case.
Earlier arrests were made in Dhubri , Chirang , and Barpeta districts.
Objectionable materials and documents were recovered during the joint STF-Hailakandi Police operation at Ramanathpur .
Investigators are probing whether the accused are part of a wider network with connections beyond Assam; further arrests have not been ruled out.
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 accused held in the case to four, officials confirmed on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. The accused, identified as Fazal Islam Barbhuiya, had been evading arrest and was apprehended during a joint operation by the STF and Hailakandi Police at Ramanathpur.
How the Arrest Was Made
Security personnel conducted a coordinated operation at Ramanathpur in Hailakandi district, where Barbhuiya was located and detained. During the operation, authorities reportedly recovered objectionable materials and documents from the accused. Investigators are now examining the seized items to determine the nature and extent of his alleged involvement with the SBN and to identify any other individuals connected to the network.
The Case So Far
Barbhuiya was wanted in connection with STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026, registered as part of a broader investigation into the alleged activities of the Pakistan-based banned organisation. Prior to this arrest, the STF had detained three other individuals in connection with the same case — in Dhubri, Chirang, and Barpeta districts respectively. The Hailakandi arrest brings the total to four accused held across multiple districts of Assam.
Wider Network Under Scrutiny
Investigators are currently examining the backgrounds and alleged activities of all four arrested individuals to establish the extent of their links with the SBN. Authorities are also probing whether the accused were part of a wider network with connections beyond Assam. Officials said further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.
Assam STF's Stepped-Up Operations
The arrests are part of an intensified campaign by the Assam Police STF against suspected extremist and anti-national networks operating across the state. This is the latest in a series of operations targeting groups allegedly linked to foreign-based organisations. Notably, the multi-district spread of arrests — from Dhubri in the west to Hailakandi in the south — suggests investigators believe the network's alleged footprint extends across geographically dispersed pockets of Assam. Officials said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Point of View
Verifiable contact with handlers across the border or were peripheral links. The SBN designation as a banned organisation also warrants scrutiny: public documentation on the group remains thin, and independent verification of its structure and reach is limited. How the Centre responds — whether this triggers a National Investigation Agency handover — will signal how seriously the network's alleged threat is being assessed at the federal level.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Fazal Islam Barbhuiya and why was he arrested?
Fazal Islam Barbhuiya is a 21-year-old man arrested by the Assam Police STF in Hailakandi district on 26 August 2026. He is allegedly linked to the Pakistan-based Shahadat-e-Bhatti Network (SBN), a banned organisation, and was wanted in STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026.
What is the Shahadat-e-Bhatti Network (SBN)?
The Shahadat-e-Bhatti Network is a Pakistan-based organisation that has been designated as banned by Indian authorities. The Assam Police STF has been investigating its alleged activities and recruitment links within Assam.
How many people have been arrested in the SBN case so far?
Four people have been arrested in total as of 26 August 2026. Prior to Barbhuiya's arrest in Hailakandi, three others were held in Dhubri, Chirang, and Barpeta districts in connection with the same case.
What was recovered during the Hailakandi arrest?
Security personnel recovered objectionable materials and documents from Fazal Islam Barbhuiya during the joint operation at Ramanathpur. Authorities are examining the seized items to determine the extent of his alleged involvement and identify any further network connections.
Will there be more arrests in the SBN case?
Officials have stated that further arrests cannot be ruled out as investigators continue to examine evidence and map the alleged network. Authorities are also probing whether the accused have connections beyond Assam.
