Pak Espionage Link: Bengal hotbed?

That West Bengal is a very favourite and safe place to hide and operate for the anti-national elements and Pakistan-sponsored espionage network, has been proved once again following the arrest of two undercover agents from Pingla in West Midnapore district.

The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal State Police has arrested on Wednesday (27/5) two individuals on charges of spying for Pakistan. Multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, and important digital data have been recovered from the arrested persons.

As per the report, the STF sleuths launched a secret investigation following a tip-off about the duo who were alleged to be involved in sending various sensitive information, photographs, and OTPs (One-Time Passwords) to Pakistan using multiple SIMs through WhatsApp and received payments in exchange of the shared information.

The information thus shared was suspected to be used for illegal activities by ISI of Pakistan, STF sleuths claimed. Additionally, the arrested individuals have been accused of indulging in espionage work, WhatsApp and other call details reveal.

According to the report, one of the arrested persons was detained first. During interrogation, the name of another individual came up, following which the second person was also arrested.

OTPs & SIM Cards

Both, investigators claim, were involved in the business of selling SIM cards. The mobile phones and SIM cards recovered from them are currently being examined. Sources indicate that it is being investigated whether they were working for a designated spy network linked to Pakistan.

Investigators suspect that OTPs were being smuggled to activate WhatsApp accounts using Indian mobile numbers, and that those accounts may subsequently have been controlled from across the border.

Cases have reportedly been filed against the arrested individuals under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Telegraph Act, and laws related to foreign nationals.

Investigators are now looking into whether anyone else is involved in this racket, and whether there is a larger network behind the entire operation. The two arrested persons were produced before a district court on Wednesday and remanded to police custody.

Earlier Case: Jafar Riyaz Arrested by NIA

Prior to this, Jafar Riyaz, also known as Rizvi, a resident of Entally in Kolkata, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of spying for Pakistan. It is reported that Jafar had visited Bangladesh multiple times recently. In this context, central investigators are trying to determine what connection he had with Bangladesh.

According to investigators, Jafar once ran a shoe business in Entally, and alongside the family business, also had two small factories. However, following an accident in 2012, his life changed drastically due to physical and financial difficulties.

In 2005, Jafar married Rabia, a resident of Lahore. Later, during a period of financial crisis, his in-laws suggested he should travel to Pakistan. Accordingly, he first sent his wife to Lahore, and then travelled to Pakistan himself on a tourist visa.

Shortly thereafter, he came into contact with a Pakistani official named Awaish at the Foreigners' Registration Office. Through this connection, Jafar allegedly established links with Pakistan's intelligence agency - ISI.

Jafar had later applied for Pakistani citizenship through his in-laws' connections, and it was at that time that his contact with Awaish was firmly established.

Jafar, NIA sources claim, subsequently began visiting India regularly under the pretext of medical treatment, and allegedly sent photographs and information about various military installations to his Pakistani handlers.

Investigations have further revealed that in 2022, he and a person from Bihar were arrested in Punjab on charges of espionage. The transfer of information related to military bases was allegedly being carried out, turning Punjab as the hub.

Although he was later granted bail, his name resurfaced in a fresh investigation. Jafar was not only engaged in espionage himself, but had also reportedly recruited additional handlers — one of whom was Mohammad Shamsad, a lemon water vendor outside Amritsar Railway Station.

The Pahelgam Connection

What is the most worrying and shocking factor has been the recent revelation before the investigators that Jafar’s name cropped up again during the interrogation of CRPF personnel Motiram Jat who was arrested in connection with the last year’s Pahalgam terror attack.

After nearly a year of intense search, Jafar was arrested from the outskirts of Kolkata. Reports also indicate that over the past few months, Jafar had visited Bangladesh several times.

In this context, the NIA is now investigating whether any attempt was made to expand a spy network in Kolkata or West Bengal or whether the duo’s arrest from Pingla has anything to do with Jafar.

Key Words: Bangladesh- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita -Espionage-ISI-NIA-Lahore-OTP-Pakistan-Pahelgam-Punjab-Pingla-STF-West Midnapore-West Bengal-WhatsApp