Assam Police Uncover Major Terror Module in Nationwide Operation – News18

Last Updated:December 20, 2024, 11:53 IST

The network, which included sleeper cells across the country, was allegedly engaged in recruitment, indoctrination, and plans to incite violence and disrupt communal harmony in India.

In a significant operation spanning multiple states, law enforcement agencies from Assam, Kerala, and West Bengal dismantled a suspected terror module linked to a global extremist group. The operation, named Operation Praghat, was led by the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) and resulted in the arrest of eight individuals. The network, which included sleeper cells across the country, was allegedly engaged in recruitment, indoctrination, and plans to incite violence and disrupt communal harmony in India.

The arrests were carried out during simultaneous raids conducted between December 17 and 18. Among those apprehended was Md Sad Radi, a foreign national detained in Kerala without valid travel documents. Two individuals, Minarul Sheikh and Md Abbas Ali, were arrested in West Bengal, while the remaining suspects, including Nur Islam Mandal, Abdul Karim Mandal, Mojibar Rahman, Hamidul Islam, and Enamul Hoque, were taken into custody in Assam. During the raids, law enforcement seized several incriminating materials, including mobile phones, pen drives, altered religious texts, and official documents linked to a foreign country. Investigators also uncovered evidence of communication between the suspects and handlers based in neighbouring countries.

Special DGP Harmeet Singh, addressing the media, stated, “The operation resulted in simultaneous raids across Assam, Kerala, and West Bengal during the night of December 17-18. The arrested individuals include eight operatives, one of whom is a Bangladeshi national apprehended in Kerala. Incriminating materials, including distorted religious texts, mobile devices, and a Bangladeshi national card, were seized. Technical evidence has revealed their communication with handlers in Bangladesh and Pakistan over recent months.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were working to establish sleeper cells in Assam and West Bengal to propagate extremist ideologies and recruit individuals. These cells were intended to operate covertly and serve as hubs for planning disruptive activities. Authorities have identified Nur Islam Mandal as a key figure in the network, with a prior record of terror-related activities dating back to 2015. He is alleged to have facilitated meetings discussing potential attacks targeting religious leaders and members of certain organizations to provoke communal unrest.

The operation has raised serious concerns regarding national security. Evidence suggests that the group was actively exploring ways to procure arms and ammunition, indicating a larger conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the country. The Assam Police STF has registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and other relevant laws. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further links and prevent future threats.

Operation Praghat underscores the growing importance of intelligence-driven operations and inter-state cooperation in combating extremist threats. Law enforcement agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the nation. This operation serves as a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance against forces seeking to disrupt peace and harmony.