Assam Police has successfully averted a potential terrorist act by arresting two suspects and recovering a significant cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation in Namapara, Kokrajhar, late on Tuesday night as part of their crackdown under Operation Praghat against fundamentalist groups.
Special Director-General of Police (STF) Harmeet Singh confirmed the arrests, stating that the operation was a major blow to jihadi elements looking to execute large-scale attacks. The recovered weapons, including handmade rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other war-like materials, underscored the serious threat posed by these terror elements.
“The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police has averted a possible major terror act by fundamentalist jihadi elements,” Singh said. The two suspects arrested, Abdul Zaher Sheikh and Sabbir Mirdha, were identified based on the interrogation of eight suspected members of the Bangladesh-based terror outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), who were apprehended last week in Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala.
The STF’s search operation led to the recovery of four handmade rifles, 34 rounds of live ammunition, 24 rounds of blank cartridges, one handmade grenade, and several IEDs. Other incriminating materials such as electronic switches, circuit detonators made from agricultural equipment, and firecracker components were also discovered.
“These terror modules were operating sleeper cells across our eastern and northwestern borders,” Singh added, highlighting the increasing threat from groups active in the region following political developments in Bangladesh earlier this year.
This operation further stresses the need for continued vigilance and coordination between states to counter cross-border terror activities. Assam Police remains committed to tackling such threats, ensuring the safety and security of the region.