Sitamarhi, Bihar: Acting on intelligence shared by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Sitamarhi Police arrested two men on Wednesday over allegations that they were in contact with a Pakistan-based criminal network and were planning activities that could threaten public safety.
The accused, identified as Mohd Akhlaq (29) and Mohd Arman (28), both residents of Takor village under the Garha Police Station limits in Sitamarhi district, were taken into custody during a police raid conducted following specific intelligence inputs.
According to police, preliminary findings suggest that the two men were allegedly in communication through social media with a Pakistan-based gangster identified as M. Rana. Investigators suspect they were planning to flee to Delhi after allegedly carrying out activities aimed at creating large-scale public disorder. Authorities said the operation was carried out before any such plan could be executed.
Police Recover Mobile Phones During Raid
Sitamarhi Superintendent of Police Amit Ranjan said officers recovered three mobile phones from the possession of the accused during the search operation.
According to the SP, an initial examination of the digital evidence reportedly revealed links to suspicious social media groups, foreign mobile numbers, and individuals believed to be associated with a Pakistan-based network. The seized electronic devices have been sent for forensic and technical analysis to determine the extent of the alleged connections.
Investigation Expands to Possible Network
Police have registered a case at Garha Police Station and are investigating whether additional individuals may have been involved. Officials stated that further legal action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing forensic examination and collection of evidence.
Investigators also found that Akhlaq and Arman had reportedly been working at a sewing machine manufacturing factory in Gujarat before returning to Sitamarhi on June 14, 2026.
Possible Link to Earlier NIA Investigation
Police are also examining possible links between the two arrested men and Mohd Ahad, who was arrested in Katihar district on July 13 during a joint operation by the NIA, the Bihar Special Task Force (STF), and local police.
According to investigators, Ahad is suspected of having links with a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation and is alleged to have been operating as a sleeper cell operative. Authorities claim he was in contact with individuals connected to Pakistan-based networks through platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media services.
Investigators further allege that Ahad was attempting to radicalise individuals in Bihar's Seemanchal region and expand a network for activities considered harmful to India's national security. Police are now examining whether the newly arrested suspects had any operational or digital connection with that investigation.
Investigation Continues
Officials have emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing and that all digital evidence is undergoing forensic examination. The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through legal proceedings.
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