Kolkata: In a major security operation ahead of Independence Day, the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a Pakistani national suspected of having links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in an alleged espionage case involving sensitive information related to the Indian Army, BSF and railway infrastructure.
The accused, identified as Rana Rauf alias Wahab Alam, is reportedly a resident of Faisalabad, Pakistan. He was arrested in the Bangaon area of North 24 Parganas, close to the India-Bangladesh border. Another person suspected of assisting him has also been taken into custody, according to reports.
Fake identity, cross-border trail
Investigators suspect Rauf had spent years in Nepal before entering India and allegedly concealed his Pakistani identity after crossing into West Bengal.
According to the investigation, he allegedly operated under the name “Wahab Alam” and used forged Indian identity documents to establish a local identity. Investigators are now trying to determine how the documents were obtained and whether an Indian network helped him secure them.
Reports also indicate that the STF is examining his movements between Nepal, India and the proposed route towards Bangladesh, with investigators probing whether these movements were connected to his alleged espionage activities.
Army, BSF and Railways allegedly in focus
The investigation has raised concerns over alleged attempts to gather information about Army deployments and movements, BSF activities and railway infrastructure and operations.
Investigators are examining what information was allegedly collected, whether it was transmitted to handlers outside India and how long the suspected intelligence-gathering activity had been continuing.
The case is particularly significant because railway networks and military movements can have strategic implications during heightened security situations.
STF probes possible wider spy network
The arrest has also triggered a wider investigation into the possibility that Rauf was not operating alone.
The second suspect arrested by the STF is being questioned to establish the nature of his association with Rauf. Investigators are also looking for possible facilitators who may have helped with accommodation, identity documents, communications or movement across borders.
Authorities are further examining allegations that Rauf attempted to identify or recruit Indian nationals in Nepal for an espionage network. These allegations are yet to be established through the ongoing investigation.
Bangladesh route under scanner
Investigators are also looking into an alleged plan by Rauf to leave India through Bangladesh. His movements near the India-Bangladesh border are therefore being closely examined.
The probe is expected to focus on whether the suspected escape route was connected to his alleged contacts outside India and whether other members of the network were waiting to assist him.
Security agencies step up vigilance
The arrest comes at a time when Indian security agencies are maintaining heightened vigilance ahead of Independence Day on August 15. The BSF has already intensified security along the western border under its annual Operation Alert, citing threats including infiltration and cross-border activities.
The latest case also follows other recent investigations into alleged Pakistan-linked espionage networks. In May, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Kolkata resident Zafar Riaz alias Rizvi, alleging that he had been recruited by Pakistan Intelligence Officers to pass confidential security-related information.
The West Bengal STF is now trying to establish the full extent of the suspected network, its contacts and whether any sensitive information was actually compromised.
The allegations against the arrested suspects remain subject to investigation, and further arrests or charges could follow as investigators trace the suspected cross-border links.
