Guwahati, Sep 29 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday held Mustafizur Rahman from his residence in Azad Nagar area of Barpeta Road in Assam and conducted a search as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged jihadi activities, officials said.
An NIA team reached Rahman’s residence and carried out a search operation during which his mobile phone was reportedly seized.
The agency’s action comes around two months after Rahman was released from Guwahati Central Jail, where he had remained in custody following his arrest by the Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF).
Rahman was earlier arrested by the STF on March 14 from Azad Nagar in Barpeta Road in connection with an investigation into his alleged links to jihadi activities.
At the time, the STF had reportedly conducted searches and seized electronic devices and other materials as part of the probe.
Following his arrest, Rahman was lodged in Guwahati Central Jail for an extended period before being released on bail around two months ago.
The latest NIA operation has brought him under renewed scrutiny as the central agency continues its investigation into the alleged activities.
The precise allegations being examined by the NIA in connection with Tuesday’s action were not immediately available.
Sources said the search was conducted at Rahman’s residence and that the agency officials examined material as part of the ongoing probe.
Further details regarding the nature of the investigation and whether any additional material was seized were awaited.
According to family members, Rahman runs a clothes shop located opposite the Barpeta Road Jama Masjid.
His detention and the search operation at his residence attracted attention among local residents in the Azad Nagar area.
The development comes amid continuing investigations by central and state agencies into alleged extremist and jihadi networks in Assam and their suspected activities.
Officials have not yet disclosed details of the specific case under which Tuesday’s action was carried out.
The investigation remains underway, and further details regarding the agency’s findings, the material seized during the operation and the next course of action are expected as the probe progresses.
–IANS
tdr/rad
