Guwahati (Assam) [India], October 31 (HBTV): Four members of Assam's Special Task Force (STF), including STF head IGP Partha Sarathi Mahanta, have been awarded the Kendriya Grihamantri Dakshata Padak for excellence in Special Operations by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The award recipients are led by IGP Mahanta, followed by Kalyan Kumar Pathak, Additional SP; Hemanta Kachari, LNK; and Rajkumar Kaibartta, UB Constable. This honour recognises their significant contributions in addressing Assam's most pressing criminal issues from March 21, 2023, to March 20, 2024. Under Mahanta's leadership, the STF has achieved impactful results through strategic operations targeting drug trafficking, counterfeit currency, and rhino poaching.

Notably, the team has disrupted large-scale drug networks, seizing substantial quantities of illegal narcotics, including heroin, that had infiltrated Assam. "These operations have not only dismantled organised crime but have also significantly helped secure Assam's youth from the threat of substance abuse," said Pranab Jyoti Goswami, CPRO of Assam Police.

"Additionally, the STF has played a crucial role in curbing the infiltration of Rohingyas from Bangladesh into Assam. In a major success in March 2024, the STF apprehended ISIS India head Harish Farukhi and his associate, who were planning sabotage activities in the region," Goswami added.

"This operation dealt a decisive blow to ISIS operations in India, marking a critical victory for Assam's security efforts. Subrata Kumar Sen, Addl. SP, Cachar, and Amrit Kumar Singha, Inspector, O.C. Silchar PS, were also awarded the Kendriya Grihamantri Dakshata Padak in the Field of Investigation for their rigorous, professional investigation in Silchar PS case no. 2754/22," Goswami stated.

The DGP of Assam congratulated all medal recipients for their exceptional professional commitment. 

(ANI)