Who is Partha Sarathi Mahanta? Assam cop who arrested ISIS India Chief wins Centre's top award

Guwahati (Assam): Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta, the Guwahati Police Commissioner who headed the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) during the operation that led to the arrest of suspected ISIS India chief Haris Ajmal Farooqui, has been selected for the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2026.

Mahanta is among 19 Assam Police personnel chosen for the Union Ministry of Home Affairs award, which recognises contributions in special operations, investigation, intelligence and forensic science.

An Inspector General of Police, Mahanta also heads the Assam STF. Since the force was revived in March 2023, it has carried out operations against suspected extremist networks and organised drug trafficking.

Between March 2023 and December 2024, the STF arrested 21 people suspected of links with extremist organisations, including jihadi groups, Maoists, the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) and insurgent outfits operating from Manipur.

One of its major operations was the arrest of suspected ISIS India chief Haris Ajmal Farooqui and his associate Anurag Singh from Dhubri in March 2024. The STF also investigated the activities of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) network and suspected sleeper cells in Assam.
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59 kg of heroin, nearly four tonnes of ganja seized

The STF's anti-narcotics operations resulted in substantial seizures during the same period.

According to an operational account released by the Assam STF in January 2025, the force recovered more than 59 kg of heroin, 9.67 lakh psychotropic tablets and 37,000 bottles of banned Phensedyl cough syrup.

The seizures also included nearly four tonnes of ganja, 37.26 kg of opium and one kg of methamphetamine.

Between March 2023 and December 2024, the STF conducted 254 operations, registered 41 cases and arrested 482 people in various cases.

Mahanta was also associated with the investigation into Operation Ghost SIM, which uncovered an alleged network involved in procuring and using fake SIM cards, according to an NDTV report. Investigators suspected that the network had links with Pakistan-based handlers.

The latest recognition follows Mahanta's receipt of the President's Medal for Distinguished Service in 2025. He was also honoured at the 75th Assam Police Day programme in October 2026.

From counter-terrorism operations to filmmaking

Mahanta's career extends beyond policing. He has pursued filmmaking and writing, with several projects focusing on social issues, history and conservation.

His documentary ‘Hargila - The Greater Adjutant Stork’ follows conservation efforts led by environmentalist Dr Purnima Devi Barman and members of the Hargila Army. The film received a Special Mention at the 70th National Film Awards.

His animated film ‘Lachit: The Warrior’ is based on the life of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and has been screened at several film festivals, including international platforms.

He has also directed ‘Fehujali’, a docu-drama examining how vulnerable young people are drawn into insurgent activities, and ‘Ansuni Cheekhein’, a short film based on a poem written by him.

His literary work includes books and poetry collections in Assamese and English. He also writes columns and serves as the honorary editor of the Assamese magazine ‘Aaina Jibonor’.

In January 2026, Assam University, Silchar, conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) on Mahanta at its 23rd convocation. He was reported to be the first serving IPS officer in India to receive the distinction.

Mahanta took charge as Guwahati Police Commissioner in December 2024 while continuing as IGP of the Assam STF.
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490 personnel selected for the 2026 award

The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak was instituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on February 1, 2024. It recognises contributions in special operations, investigation, intelligence and forensic science.

The 2026 awardees were announced on October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A total of 490 personnel from states, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations have been selected.