Module that ‘radicalised, recruited’ people for Bangladesh-based group busted by Assam Police

STF chief Partha Sarathi Mahanta said that an Assam cell of the outfit has been operating with a head based in Barpeta district. Two Bangladeshi nationals, named Umar and Khalid, were allegedly assigned to coordinate Assam-based activities.

Mahanta said these Assam-based activities had been coordinated through encrypted social media platforms.

“Persons based in Assam, West Bengal and Tripura were being radicalised, recruited, financially mobilised and connected with the said outfit, including individuals possessing Indian passports and having prior visits to Bangladesh, as well as known former members of proscribed terrorist organisations,” he said.

According to the Assam Police, it has learnt that Indian members are first identified through “online Jihadist channels”, and fed IMK propaganda. Police also said that there have been meetings in Assam, as well as visits to Bangladesh by Indian members.

“IMK also exploits social and religious gatherings. Several clandestine meetings have been held at local mosques since December 2024. At a December 28, 2024, meeting in Barpeta, IMK ideologues made statements advocating violent armed struggle in India… Each meeting typically convenes 6–8 local youths, who are then indoctrinated and urged to prepare for Jihad. Additionally, some IMK cadres/recruits have already visited Bangladesh on valid passports and visas to meet the IMK leadership, and many are being encouraged to go to Bangladesh (even with family) for arms training. Notably, at least two Assam operatives crossed into Meghalaya in April 2025 to rendezvous with Bangladeshi handlers,” reads a document prepared by the Assam Police on the module’s activities.

STF chief Mahanta said that “continuing cross-border coordination” by the module “poses a grave threat to India’s unity and integrity”. He said that the arrests were made during raids in search of IMK operatives in the intervening night of December 29 and 30.