In a counter-terrorism operation, the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) intercepted and dismantled a new cross-border terror network named “Shahadat” on June 22. The operation led to the apprehension of Mohammed Habibullah, identified as the module’s leader (Ameer), from his residence in Paschim Bardhaman. Habibullah, a second-year computer science student, was reportedly involved in clandestine activities aimed at undermining national security.
The STF’s investigation revealed connections between the “Shahadat” module and members of “Ansar Al Islam,” an outlawed terrorist organisation affiliated with Al-Qaeda in Bangladesh. The module allegedly operated covertly using encrypted messaging platforms like “BiP” to coordinate activities intended to destabilise the integrity and sovereignty of both India and Bangladesh.
The arrest unfolded when a special police squad from West Bengal raided a residence in Mirpara, within the jurisdiction of the Kanksha police station under the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate. Mohammed Hasibul Sheikh, another key operative linked to the group, was apprehended during the operation.
Following his arrest, Sheikh was interrogated by senior officers from the Asansol Durgapur Police and STF at the Kanksha police station. He is slated to be transferred to Kolkata for further legal proceedings. The STF has filed a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the arrested individuals.
This successful operation marks a crucial step in thwarting terrorism activities with international links and underscores the ongoing vigilance and proactive measures undertaken by Indian security forces to safeguard national security interests.
On the same day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina engaged in comprehensive discussions covering various topics, including the strengthening of bilateral defence cooperation between their respective armed forces to combat terrorism.
Modi and Hasina mutually decided to bolster bilateral defence cooperation, emphasising aspects like defence production, modernization of the Bangladeshi armed forces, and heightened collaboration in combating terrorism and radicalization.
