Guwahati | Jan 8th,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
NIA Probe Bangladesh-Linked Jihadi Funding Network:
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an in-depth probe into a Bangladesh-linked jihadi fundraising network operating in Assam, following the arrest of 11 suspected terrorists by the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF). The case has assumed serious national security significance due to the scale of funding, cross-border links, and suspected sleeper cells operating across the Northeast.
The investigation, initially handled by the Assam STF, was transferred to central agencies after intelligence inputs pointed to foreign handlers, interstate connections, and sustained financial operations supporting extremist activities.
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NIA Begins Interrogation of 11 Accused
Senior NIA officials arrived in Guwahati earlier this week and have begun interrogating the 11 suspects arrested during Operation Praghat, a coordinated STF crackdown conducted on December 29, 2025.
The arrests were made from Barpeta, Chirang, Baksa and Darrang districts of Assam, with one suspect held in Tripura, indicating the network’s reach beyond state boundaries. One of the accused has been identified as the Assam module head, allegedly responsible for fundraising, recruitment and communication with handlers based in Bangladesh.
Investigators from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have also joined the probe, signalling possible interstate linkages and a wider operational footprint.
Layered Funding Model Using Cash, Digital Transfers and Hawala
Preliminary findings suggest the network operated through a layered and decentralised funding mechanism. Money was allegedly collected in cash from local sympathisers, transferred via small-value bank and digital transactions to evade detection, and in some cases routed across the India–Bangladesh border using hawala channels.
Officials believe the deliberate fragmentation of transactions helped the network avoid scrutiny by financial intelligence agencies while ensuring a steady flow of funds.
Self-Sustaining Local Funding a Major Concern
One of the most alarming aspects of the case is the scale of internal funding generated within Assam and the Northeast. Unlike earlier terror modules that relied heavily on foreign remittances, this network appears to have built a self-sustaining local financial base.
According to interrogation findings, the funds were used for recruitment, radicalisation, logistics, travel, communication devices, and maintenance of sleeper cells, reducing the need for frequent cross-border transfers and lowering the risk of exposure.
Security officials describe this long-term strategy as particularly dangerous, as it allows extremist groups to embed quietly within local communities without triggering immediate security alerts.
Links to Earlier Bangladesh-Based Extremist Groups
Assam has previously witnessed the dismantling of terror modules linked to Bangladesh-based and al-Qaeda-inspired outfits, including Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Investigations in past cases revealed attempts to use Assam as a transit corridor, shelter zone and recruitment base.
Officials say repeated attempts to rebuild networks highlight sustained radicalisation efforts in the region.
Also Read: https://skylinktimes.in/jmb-linked-terror-suspect-arrested-in-agartala/
Cash Recovery in Dibrugarh Under Scanner
The probe gained further momentum after the recent recovery of ₹14.5 lakh in cash from the residence of a daily-wage labourer in Moran, Dibrugarh district. Authorities are examining whether the money is linked to the same jihadi funding network or represents a parallel internal financing channel.
Assam CM Reiterates Zero Tolerance
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and jihadi activity, stressing that there would be no distinction between those who propagate extremist ideology and those who fund or facilitate it.
Meanwhile, the Assam STF is searching for a 12th suspect, believed to be hiding in West Bengal. Officials said further arrests and financial seizures are likely as the investigation progresses.
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