SIM card smuggling, counterfeit currency notes: 3 arrested in West Bengal over suspected Pakistan-based ISI links

Three individuals have been arrested in West Bengal on suspicion of having ties to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrests took place in Cooch Behar district, where the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) apprehended Rashidul Haque, Nur Nasiruddin Ali, and Shafiqul Islam late Friday evening from the Sahebganj area of Dinahata. According to officials, the suspects are believed to have operated undercover within India as ISI agents. The accused are alleged to have engaged in smuggling Indian SIM cards to Pakistan via Bangladesh. They are also implicated in the production of counterfeit currency notes. These charges stem from an ongoing investigation into potential espionage activities linked to the ISI. The arrested individuals were presented before a local court on Saturday and granted police custody for 14 days. The operation comes amid heightened vigilance along India’s borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan, particularly in regions like North Bengal, which has historically been a hotspot for cross-border infiltration. The STF has been actively monitoring movements of suspected operatives linked to Pakistan-based militant groups. This latest arrest adds to a series of operations targeting such networks in recent months. Prior to these arrests, Hamim Mondal, a suspect connected to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Shahzad Bhatti gang, was detained in Bardhaman on July 31. His associates, including Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Singh alias Raju, were also arrested in different parts of the state. Following this, four additional individuals were taken into custody. Among them was Rana Rauf, a Pakistani national known by the alias Wahab Alam. He was captured near the Bangladesh border and had previously entered India through Nepal in 2012 using forged Indian identity documents. Rana Rauf is reported to have conducted surveillance on several installations across West Bengal. His activities included monitoring sensitive locations in Kolkata, the state capital. His arrest underscores concerns about the presence of foreign nationals operating under false identities to gather intelligence or engage in subversive activities. The investigation into the three newly arrested individuals is expected to yield further insights into the extent of ISI influence in the region. Authorities have not disclosed whether the accused will be charged formally or if they will face trial under specific anti-terrorism laws. The STF has emphasized its commitment to dismantling networks that threaten national security. The case has drawn attention from security agencies across the country, given the historical tensions between India and Pakistan. Past incidents involving ISI-linked operatives have led to increased scrutiny of border areas and the movement of individuals with suspicious backgrounds. Officials have reiterated the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement bodies to prevent such threats. The arrested individuals are currently being interrogated to determine the scope of their activities and any potential connections to other suspected operatives. Their statements could provide critical information about the structure and operations of the network they are alleged to have been part of. The STF has requested additional time to complete the investigation and present evidence before the court. The arrests highlight the persistent challenge of countering cross-border terrorism and espionage. With multiple layers of coordination required between regional and central authorities, the effectiveness of current strategies remains under review. Security experts suggest that enhanced intelligence sharing and stricter border controls could help mitigate future risks. As the probe continues, the focus will remain on uncovering the full extent of the alleged conspiracy and identifying any accomplices or financial backers. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar threats are addressed in the future.