Assam Police STF uncovers an Islamic terror module linked to Bangladesh-based IMK across Assam and Tripura, arresting 11 suspects involved in recruitment, radicalisation, financing, and cross-border coordination, raising serious national security concerns in eastern India.
Security and intelligence agencies have uncovered what they describe as an organised recruitment, radicalisation and financing network operating across several districts of Assam and Tripura, allegedly linked to Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), a Bangladesh-based offshoot of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Acting on central intelligence inputs, the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police conducted coordinated raids on the intervening night of November 29 and 30, 2025, in Barpeta, Chirang, Baksa, Darrang and parts of Tripura, resulting in the arrest of 11 suspected operatives.
11 individuals apprehended
Those arrested on suspicion of IMK-linked activities include:
- Nasim Uddin alias Najimuddin alias Tamim (24), son of Surahab Ali, resident of Nichuka, Barpeta Road, Barpeta
- Junab Ali (38), son of Ansur Ali, resident of Majarababari, Bijni, Chirang
- Afrahim Hussain (24), son of Zahjahan Ali, Ward No. 8, Islampur, Mangaldoi, Darrang
- Mizanur Rehman (46), son of late Samsul Haque, Barpeta Road Ward No. 2, Barpeta
- Sultan Mehmud (40), son of late Imtaz Ali, Nichuka, Barpeta Road, Barpeta
- Siddique Ali (46), son of late Nizam Ahmed, Khoirabari, Barpeta Road
- Rasidul Aalam (28), son of late Idrish Ali, Jakhlibil Pothar, Gobardhona, Baksa
- Mahibul Khan (25), son of Nizamuddin Khan, Merajhar, Gobardhona, Baksa
- Sharuk Hussain (22), son of Abdul Rehman, Uttar Aathiabari, Barpeta Road, Barpeta
- Dilbar Razak (26), son of Joynal Abdin, Gandharipar, Barpeta Road, Barpeta
- Jagir Miah (33), son of Hanif Miah, South Joynagar, AD Nagar Police Station, West Tripura, Agartala
Officials said electronic devices, documents and financial records were seized during the raids and are undergoing forensic scrutiny. All accused will face further questioning to ascertain the scope of the alleged network.
IMK origin and alleged agenda
Investigators said IMK was founded in 2018 by Jewel Mahmud alias Imam Mahmud Habibullah alias Sohail, a former JMB member who claims leadership of the outfit and espouses the “Ghazwatul Hind” ideology. Agencies allege that following the regime change in Bangladesh in August 2024, senior leaders of JMB, Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) encouraged IMK leadership to activate and expand Indian modules.
Two Bangladeshi nationals, Umar and Khalid, were allegedly tasked with coordinating activities in Assam, while the head of the Assam cell is stated to be Nasim Uddin alias Tamim of Barpeta Road.
Encrypted platforms and recruitment process
According to officials, the IMK module relied on encrypted social media platforms, notably a group titled “Purva Akash”, which functioned as a principal communication and recruitment hub. Youths in Assam (especially Barpeta and Chirang), West Bengal and Tripura were allegedly:
- exposed to online propaganda and lectures
- provided radical literature such as “Sarbobhoumo Khamatar Malik Allah” and “Ghazwatul Hind er Sonkhipto Alochona”
- encouraged to take the “bayat” (oath of allegiance) to the IMK chief in Bangladesh
Officials said recruits were asked to submit personal details and identity documents on prescribed forms and record video oaths sent to an “Indian Zimmedar” (responsible cadre), who in turn forwarded them to Bangladesh-based handlers for validation.
Clandestine meetings and alleged indoctrination
Since December 2024, several clandestine meetings were allegedly conducted in local mosques and gatherings. A key meeting reportedly took place on December 28, 2024, in Barpeta, where IMK ideologues, including Nasim Uddin and Manirul Islam, allegedly advocated violent struggle, stating that “atrocities on Muslims in India must be stopped with armed struggle.”
Each meeting typically involved 6–8 local youths, who were urged to “prepare” for jihad, officials said.
Cross-border travel and training claims
Security agencies stated that some Indian cadres and recruits had travelled to Bangladesh on valid passports and visas to meet IMK leadership. Authorities also allege that IMK promotes the concept of “Hijrat” (migration) to Bangladesh for training and indoctrination.
Notably, officials identified at least two Assam-based operatives:
- Nasim Uddin of Barpeta, and
- Siddik Ali of Barpeta,
who allegedly crossed into Meghalaya in April 2025 to meet Bangladeshi handlers. Several others are suspected to have travelled to Bangladesh during 2025 for “training and further engagement,” according to intelligence assessments.
Alleged financial network: collections and transfers
Investigators stated that IMK’s Indian module was funded through a mix of cash collections, small bank transactions, digital payment transfers and hawala channels.
Key points cited by officials include:
- Funds were pooled chiefly by Nasim Uddin alias Tamim in Assam
- Contributions were allegedly made by local recruits and supporters
- Multiple bank accounts were used for routing small deposits
- UPI platforms were allegedly used to move funds internally before remitting them
- Money was then transferred to Bangladesh through informal networks
Individuals said to have played roles in collecting or transferring funds include Mustafizur Rahman, Siddik Ali, Abdur Rahman and others, according to officials. The total amount allegedly moved from Assam and Tripura is said to be in the “several lakhs of rupees” range. Authorities emphasised that these details remain under investigation and further financial trails are being mapped.
Ideological links under scrutiny
Agencies allege that IMK aligns itself with JMB, ABT and AQIS ideologies and that the release or emboldening of cadres in Bangladesh after 2024 revived cross-border networks. Extremist digital content shared in Assam allegedly showed similarities with material earlier seized in Bangladesh, investigators said.
Serious security implications, say authorities
Authorities termed the cumulative activities of the alleged IMK network a serious threat to national security, sovereignty and public order, particularly in eastern border regions. They added that the STF crackdown is part of ongoing counter-terror efforts and that monitoring across vulnerable districts will continue.
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Police said all claims are under verification and stressed that further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses into recruitment chains, cross-border linkages and financing routes.
