Bihar: Two arrested in Sitamarhi over anti-national activities, Pakistan network links probed
Synopsis
Two youths from Bihar's Sitamarhi were arrested on 15 July for allegedly conducting reconnaissance of sensitive Indian locations on behalf of a Pakistan-based criminal network called the 'Rana Bhai Group'. Three mobile phones with suspicious chat records and contact data have been seized, and national intelligence agencies have now joined the probe — raising the possibility of a wider sleeper cell network.
Key Takeaways
Arman were arrested from Takaur village , Sitamarhi, Bihar on 15 July 2025 .
Police allege the duo had links to the 'Rana Bhai Group' , a network investigators say operates from Pakistan .
The accused allegedly conducted reconnaissance of strategic locations and transmitted data through online channels, according to police.
Three mobile phones containing suspicious contacts, chats, and location-related material were seized and sent for forensic examination.
National intelligence agencies have joined the Sitamarhi Police in the investigation.
Authorities caution that all findings are preliminary and the investigation remains ongoing.
Bihar Police arrested two youths from Sitamarhi district on 15 July 2025 on allegations of involvement in anti-national activities and suspected links to a Pakistan-based criminal network, triggering a joint investigation by national intelligence agencies. The suspects were apprehended from Takaur village under the Gadha police station limits before they could allegedly carry out their plans.
Who Was Arrested and What Police Allege
The two accused have been identified as Md. Akhlaq and Md. Arman. According to police officials, preliminary investigations suggest the pair was in contact — via social media — with a group referred to as the 'Rana Bhai Group', which investigators allege operates out of Pakistan. Police claim the duo was acting on instructions from members associated with this network.
Investigators further allege that the accused had been conducting reconnaissance of sensitive and strategic locations across India and transmitting the coordinates of these sites through online communication channels. Authorities also stated that the suspects were reportedly planning to travel to Delhi after completing their alleged activities — a move that was pre-empted by the police raid.
Evidence Seized and Forensic Examination
During the operation, police seized three mobile phones from the accused. According to investigators, the devices contain suspicious contact numbers, chat records, and digital material related to sensitive locations. The electronic evidence is currently undergoing forensic examination to determine the full scope of the suspects' alleged activities.
National Agencies Join the Probe
Given the gravity of the allegations, national intelligence agencies have joined the Sitamarhi Police in the ongoing investigation. Officials are analysing data recovered from the seized phones to identify potential associates, map the nature of the suspects' contacts, and establish whether a wider network or sleeper cells may be involved. Authorities have emphasised that all findings so far are based on preliminary investigation and remain subject to further verification.
What Happens Next
The investigation remains active, and police have not yet disclosed further operational details. This comes amid heightened security vigilance along Bihar's northern belt, which shares a border with Nepal — a corridor that has previously drawn scrutiny from security agencies for cross-border movement. The outcome of the forensic analysis of the seized devices is expected to be a key determinant in the direction of the probe.
Point of View
Which has drawn repeated scrutiny for its vulnerability to cross-border influence operations. What stands out here is the alleged use of social media for reconnaissance tasking — a shift from physical courier networks to digital instruction chains that is increasingly difficult to detect early. The involvement of national intelligence agencies at this stage, before charges are formally framed, signals that investigators believe the threat may extend beyond two individuals. The critical question the forensic analysis must answer is whether the 'Rana Bhai Group' has other active nodes inside India — or whether this is an isolated cell that was interdicted in time.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the two people arrested in Sitamarhi, Bihar?
The two accused have been identified as Md. Akhlaq and Md. Arman , both youths from Takaur village under the Gadha police station limits in Sitamarhi district, Bihar. They were arrested on 15 July 2025 following a police raid based on intelligence inputs.
What is the 'Rana Bhai Group' that investigators have named?
The 'Rana Bhai Group' is a network that investigators allege operates from Pakistan. Police claim the two arrested individuals were in contact with members of this group via social media and were acting on their instructions, though these allegations are based on preliminary findings.
What evidence did police recover from the accused?
Police seized three mobile phones from the two suspects. According to investigators, the devices contain suspicious contact numbers, chat records, and digital material linked to sensitive locations in India. The phones are currently undergoing forensic examination.
Why have national intelligence agencies joined the probe?
Given the seriousness of the allegations — including suspected cross-border links and reconnaissance of strategic locations — national intelligence agencies have joined the Sitamarhi Police to determine whether a wider network or sleeper cells may be involved beyond the two arrested individuals.
Are the allegations against the two accused confirmed?
No. Authorities have explicitly stated that all findings so far are based on preliminary investigation, which remains in progress. No formal charges have been publicly detailed, and the investigation is ongoing.
