Guwahati, Dec 19: In a major counter-terror operation, the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police, with support from Kerala and West Bengal Police, dismantled a terror module linked to a global terrorist organization. The multi-state operation, codenamed “Operation Praghat,” resulted in the arrest of eight individuals, including a Bangladeshi national.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Md. Sad Radi (Bangladeshi national) was apprehended in Kerala for being in India without valid travel documents, Minarul Sheikh and Md. Abbas Ali was arrested in Murshidabad, West Bengal, Nur Islam Mandal, Abdul Karim Mandal, Mojibar Rahman, and Hamidul Islam – were arrested in Kokrajhar, Assam, and Enamul Hoque was arrested in Dhubri, Assam.

Speaking to the media, Assam Police Special DGP Harmeet Singh stated, “Operation Praghat was launched after a detailed and prolonged examination of intelligence inputs regarding the clandestine anti-national activities being carried out by a group of individuals under the direction of one Md. Farhan Israk, a close associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani, Chief of Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).”

The investigation revealed that Md. Sad Radi, also known as Md. Shab Seikh (32), a resident of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, was sent to India in November 2024 with a mission to spread extremist ideology and establish sleeper cells across the country. His movements included visits to Assam and West Bengal, where he met with sleeper-cell activists of the banned ABT before relocating to Kerala for similar activities.

According to DGP Harmeet Singh, the STF registered FIR No. 21/2024 under multiple sections of the UA(P) Act 1967, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Passport Act 1967. Teams were dispatched to various locations in Kerala, West Bengal, and Assam, leading to the simultaneous capture of the suspects during an overnight operation on December 17-18. The authorities seized incriminating documents, mobile phones, and technical evidence linking the suspects to transnational communication with entities in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The Special DGP disclosed that the arrested suspects were working to establish sleeper cells in Assam and West Bengal. These covert units aimed to remain inactive until activated for subversive activities intended to disrupt peace, incite communal unrest, and cause destruction of life and property.

He further elaborated, “The accused played a pivotal role in aiding Md. Sad Radi’s mission is to identify, recruit, and indoctrinate individuals inclined toward radical ideologies. By exploiting local vulnerabilities and religious sentiments, they aimed to create a network capable of operating under the radar to achieve the broader objectives of their organization, which include disrupting communal harmony and creating chaos in India.”

One of the key accused, Nur Islam Mondal, had a prior arrest record in connection with Dhaligaon PS Case No. 161/2015 under sections related to conspiracy, waging war against the state, and arms possession. He had been released on bail but remained under surveillance. Authorities reported that Nur Islam Mondal and Mojibar Rahman made several visits to West Bengal to recruit and radicalize local youth.

The suspects allegedly held strategy meetings in Murshidabad and Falakata, West Bengal. During these gatherings, participants, including Nur Islam Mondal and his associates, discussed plans to target prominent leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other Hindu organizations. Their aim was to incite communal tensions and destabilize the region.

DGP Singh revealed that the suspects were also engaged in the procurement of arms and ammunition to support their larger conspiracy to wage war against the Indian state. Evidence points to an organized effort to strengthen the operational capabilities of extremist groups, including ABT and AQIS.

“These activities were carried out with the intent to equip and strengthen the operational, violent, and disruptive capabilities of Jihadi/extremist groups aiming to destabilize India’s security and sovereignty,” Singh added.

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