Cooch Behar2 hours agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
Three people were arrested by the West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) from Sahebganj in Cooch Behar on suspicion of working as agents of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Investigators have also allegedly found evidence linking the suspects to a fake currency racket.
Suspects accused of supplying Indian SIM cards
According to STF sources, the three arrested suspects have been identified as Rashidul, Nasiruddin and Shafikul. They are suspected of working as ISI agents and allegedly supplying Indian mobile SIM cards to Pakistan through Bangladesh.
SIM cards allegedly transported through Bangladesh
Investigators suspect that the trio was involved in an organised network that illegally procured Indian SIM cards and sent them to Bangladesh, from where they were allegedly transported to Pakistan. The SIM cards reportedly reached Pakistan’s Punjab province. The STF is questioning the accused to identify other members of the alleged network.
Independence Day disruption plan under investigation
Sources said the three suspects may also have been planning a disruptive activity on Independence Day. The STF reportedly received information about the alleged plan through a confidential source and subsequently arrested them.
Investigators probe alleged fake currency connections
The investigation has also revealed suspected links between the network and fake currency operations, according to STF sources. The agency is examining whether the accused were involved in an international smuggling network with links to Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.
Earlier arrest prompts fresh investigation
The arrests come days after the STF arrested Rana Rauf, alias Wahab Alam, from Habra on suspicion of being a Pakistani spy. Investigators are now examining whether Rashidul, Nasiruddin and Shafikul had any links with Rana.
Shafikul identified as Bihar resident by STF
The STF has learnt that Shafikul is a resident of Kishanganj in Bihar. The accused allegedly sent Indian SIM cards and various documents to Bangladesh, from where they were subsequently transported to Pakistan.
Honey trap allegations emerge during investigation
According to sources, the alleged network was also involved in honey-trapping. Women were reportedly used to establish contact with Indian defence personnel through social media by using photographs of attractive women. The targets were allegedly befriended and subsequently persuaded to share sensitive information related to India’s security and defence establishments.
International smuggling network links under investigation
The STF suspects that the accused had connections with an international smuggling network operating across Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. Investigators are also examining whether other suspected espionage operatives are active in West Bengal and other parts of India.
