Assam Police have apprehended three individuals suspected of links to a Pakistan-based terror network, identified as the Shahzad Bhatti group, following a coordinated operation on July 24. The arrests, made within Assam, are connected to an alleged sleeper cell network reportedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This development underscores the ongoing vigilance of security forces against transnational threats.

The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence inputs received by law enforcement agencies, leading to a meticulously planned action on the aforementioned date. The apprehension of the three suspects is a significant step in disrupting potential clandestine activities in the region. The case has been officially registered under STF Police Station Case No. 06/2026, indicating a formal and ongoing investigation into the matter by the Special Task Force (STF) police.

During the course of the operation, authorities conducted searches that yielded a significant cache of items deemed incriminating. Among the seized articles were five mobile phones and seven SIM cards, which are crucial tools for communication and coordination within any organised network. The recovery of multiple Aadhaar cards, bank passbooks, and debit cards suggests the suspects may have been involved in establishing false identities, managing finances, or facilitating transactions pertinent to their alleged activities. Furthermore, other unspecified "incriminating documents" were also confiscated, which are expected to provide further insights into the network's operational structure, affiliations, and potential targets.

The individuals are believed to be associated with the Shahzad Bhatti terror network, a group that authorities have identified as operating from Pakistan. The description of this network as an "ISI-backed sleeper cell" points towards a sophisticated and clandestine structure. Such cells are typically designed to remain dormant for extended periods, blending into local communities until activated for specific objectives. Their operations often involve recruitment, logistical support, intelligence gathering, and potentially planning disruptive activities, making their detection and dismantling a high priority for security agencies. The alleged involvement of the ISI suggests a state-sponsored dimension to these covert operations.

This latest development highlights the persistent efforts by Indian security agencies to counter potential threats originating from transnational terror groups and foreign intelligence agencies. The strategic location of Assam, sharing international borders with several countries, often makes it a critical area for vigilance against alleged infiltrations and the establishment of such networks. The coordinated nature of the police action underscores a proactive and intelligence-driven approach to national security challenges in the sensitive northeastern region. Investigations into the full extent of the network's activities, its membership, and its objectives within the state and potentially beyond are expected to continue as authorities work to neutralise any further threats.