Patna, July 15 (IANS) A major security operation was carried out in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district after police arrested two youths on allegations of involvement in anti-national activities and suspected links to a Pakistan-based criminal network, police officials said on Wednesday.

The arrests were made in Takaur village under the Gadha police station limits.

The accused have been identified as Md. Akhlaq and Md. Arman.

According to the police, preliminary investigations suggest that the two were in contact through social media with a group identified as the “Rana Bhai Group”, which investigators allege operates from Pakistan.

Police claim the duo was acting on the instructions of members associated with the network.

Investigators allege that the accused had been conducting reconnaissance of sensitive and strategic locations in India and was transmitting the locations of these sites through online communication channels.

Police are also probing allegations that the pair was involved in planning activities aimed at threatening national security.

Based on intelligence inputs, police also alleged that the accused were planning to leave for Delhi after carrying out their activities.

Acting on the information, a police team conducted a raid in Takaur village, surrounded the area, and arrested both suspects before they could allegedly execute their plans.

During the operation, police seized three mobile phones from the accused.

According to investigators, the devices contain suspicious contact numbers, chat records, and digital material related to sensitive locations.

The electronic evidence is currently being subjected to forensic examination.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, national intelligence agencies have joined the investigation alongside the Sitamarhi police.

Officials are analysing the data recovered from the seized mobile phones to determine the nature of the suspects’ contacts, identify any possible associates, and ascertain whether a wider network or sleeper cells may be involved.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police have not yet disclosed further operational details.

Authorities have emphasised that the allegations are based on the preliminary findings of the investigation, which remains in progress.

–IANS

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