Assam STF Busts Bangladesh-Linked Jihadi Module; 11 Arrested in Multi-State Crackdown

The Assam Police Special Task Force (STF), acting on sustained inputs from central intelligence agencies, has dismantled a Bangladesh-based extremist module operating across Assam, Tripura and parts of eastern India, arresting 11 suspected operatives in coordinated late-night raids.

Addressing a press conference, Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta, speaking on behalf of the Assam Police and STF, said the crackdown was part of Operation Pratighat, a follow-up to Operation Praghat, under which several members of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) had earlier been arrested in Assam.

Bangladesh-Based IMK Module Under Scanner

According to the STF, the arrested individuals are linked to the Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK)—a Bangladesh-based offshoot of JMB, founded in 2018 by Jewel Mahmud alias Imam Mahmud Habibullah alias Sohail, a former JMB member who claims to be the “Amir” of the outfit.

Police said IMK propagates the extremist ideology of “Ghazwatul Hind” and functions in alignment with proscribed transnational jihadist organisations, including JMB, Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).

Following the political changes in Bangladesh in August 2024, senior leaders of these outfits allegedly directed IMK to activate and expand Indian modules, particularly in Assam, West Bengal and Tripura.

Assam Cell Headed by Nasim Uddin

Investigators identified Nasim Uddin alias Tamim, a resident of Barpeta Road, as the head of the Assam module. The STF said Bangladeshi nationals Umar and Khalid were tasked with coordinating Assam-based activities from across the border.

Raids were conducted simultaneously on the intervening night of November 29–30 in Barpeta, Chirang, Baksa and Darrang districts of Assam, and at one location in West Tripura.

List of Arrested Accused

The 11 arrested accused are:

1. Nasim Uddin alias Tamim (Barpeta) – Assam module in-charge

2. Junab Ali (Chirang)

3. Afrahim Hussain (Darrang)

4. Mizanur Rahman (Barpeta)

5. Sultan Mehmud (Barpeta)

6. Md Siddique Ali (Barpeta)

7. Rasidul Alam (Baksa)

8. Mahibul Khan (Baksa)

9. Shahruk Hussain (Barpeta)

10. Md Dilbar Razak (Barpeta)

11. Jagir Miah (West Tripura)

Digital Radicalisation and Encrypted Platforms

Police revealed that IMK relied heavily on encrypted social media platforms for communication, recruitment and indoctrination. One such group, titled ‘Purba Akash’, functioned as a primary recruitment and propaganda hub.

Extremist literature authored by IMK leadership—promoting violent jihad and armed conquest—was circulated digitally to indoctrinate recruits. Youths from interior areas of Assam, particularly Barpeta and Chirang, were systematically targeted.

‘Bayat’ Oath and Recruitment Process

The STF detailed a structured recruitment mechanism. Prospective recruits were first identified online, supplied with extremist material, and monitored in secure groups. To formally join, they were required to take a ‘bayat’ (oath of allegiance) to the IMK Amir.

Each recruit had to submit personal details and identity documents, record a video oath, and send it to an India-based handler, who forwarded it to Bangladesh for approval. Only after verification by IMK leadership were recruits inducted.

Secret Meetings, Call for Armed Struggle

Investigators also uncovered clandestine meetings held at local mosques since December 2024. At a meeting in Barpeta on December 28, key operatives allegedly made statements advocating armed struggle in India, calling for violent action under the pretext of protecting religious interests.

Each meeting reportedly involved six to eight local youths, who were urged to prepare for jihad.

Hawala Funding and Money Transfers to Bangladesh

The STF said the outfit was funded through hawala networks, cash collections and multiple bank accounts, including small digital and UPI transactions. Funds collected in Assam and Tripura were systematically transferred to Bangladesh.

Police estimate that lakhs of rupees were remitted to support extremist training and logistics. Several accused have been identified as directly involved in terror financing.

Cross-Border Travel and Training

The STF Assam confirmed that some Assam-based operatives travelled to Bangladesh in 2025 using valid Indian passports and visas, allegedly to meet IMK leadership and undergo training. At least two operatives crossed into Meghalaya earlier this year to coordinate with Bangladeshi handlers.

Extremist content related to weapons and explosives recovered from Assam closely matches material earlier seized in IMK-linked cases in Bangladesh, indicating active cross-border coordination.

Threat to National Security

Commissioner Mahanta said the cumulative activities of the module posed a serious threat to India’s sovereignty, public order and communal harmony, particularly in the eastern border regions.

Arms, digital devices, documents and extremist material were seized during the raids. Further arrests are expected as financial trails and digital evidence are analysed.

“The operation is ongoing,” police said. “Any attempt to radicalise youth or destabilise Assam and the North-East will be dealt with firmly.”

Also Read: Assam Police STF Dismantles Illegal SIM Card Network in “Operation Ghost SIM”