Security and intelligence agencies in India have been closely tracking suspected jihadi activity in the North East, particularly in Assam. Acting on inputs from central intelligence units, the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) has carried out a major crackdown on an alleged module linked to Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK) said to be an off-shoot of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). A total of 11 persons have been arrested in connection with the case.
IMK was reportedly formed in 2018 by Jewel Mahmud alias Imam Mahmud Habibullah alias Sohail, a former JMB member who claims to lead the outfit and promotes the ideology of “Ghazwatul Hind”. After the change of government in Bangladesh in August 2024, leaders of banned extremist organisations allegedly instructed IMK to expand its presence in India, including in Assam. Two Bangladeshi nationals, identified as Umar and Khalid, were believed to be coordinating the group’s activities, while Nasim Uddin alias Tamim of Barpeta Road is suspected to have headed the Assam cell.
Investigators say the outfit functioned mainly through encrypted social media groups. One such channel, titled “Purva Akash”, reportedly served as a communication and recruitment hub. Youths from Assam, Tripura and West Bengal were allegedly exposed to extremist propaganda and encouraged to take a formal oath of allegiance to the IMK leader. 
Authorities say members were radicalised using online literature and religious-themed content advocating violent jihad.
Police suspect that small gatherings were held at local religious spaces since December 2024, where participants were exposed to extremist messaging. Some members allegedly travelled to Bangladesh on valid passports to meet IMK leadership and explore possible training opportunities.
IMK is also believed to have relied on informal financial channels and digital transfers to fund its activities. Investigators say money collected locally was routed to Bangladesh through hawala
Taking note of the security risk, the STF launched coordinated raids in the intervening night of December 29 and 30 across Barpeta, Chirang, Baksa, Darrang and Tripura. During this single operation, police apprehended 11 accused persons linked to the suspected IMK network.
Those arrested are:
- Nasim Uddin alias Najimuddin alias Tamim (24) — Barpeta Road
- Junab Ali (38) — Chirang
- Afrahim Hussain (24) — Darrang
- Mizanur Rehman (46) — Barpeta Road
- Sultan Mehmud (40) — Barpeta Road
- Md. Siddique Ali (46) — Barpeta Road
- Rasidul Aalam (28) — Baksa
- Mahibul Khan (25) — Baksa
- Sharuk Hussain (22) — Barpeta Road
- Md. Dilbar Razak (26) — Barpeta Road
- Jagir Miah (33) — West Tripura
Police confirmed that the total number of arrests stands at 11 and more action may follow as the investigation progresses.
