1 month ago
West Bengal arrests linked to ISI espionage plot
A police unit in West Bengal says that a young woman from Jharkhand and a man from Burdwan were working for Pakistan’s spy agency, the ISI.
They used secret messaging apps to plan spying on police and politicians.
The police arrested them and put them in a special law called UAPA.
They also looked for more people who might be spying.
Politicians in the state are worried and want stronger security.
West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) alleges ISI built an espionage network via a 22‑year‑old influencer.
Mohammad Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar were arrested and booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Investigators say the suspects used encrypted apps (Discord, Telegram, etc.) and had foreign SIM cards from the UK and Mexico.
The plot allegedly targeted Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s movements and involved plans for honeytraps, abductions, and assassinations.
Political leaders from TMC and BJP debated security measures and blamed the previous government for compromising safety.
- Who
- Mohammad Hamim Mondal, Arpita Sarkar, and Pakistani handlers
- What
- Arrest and investigation of a suspected ISI espionage network
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- When
- Arrests made in early 2024, investigation ongoing
- Why
- To prevent intelligence gathering on senior police and political leaders
Key facts
- Suspects
- Mohammad Hamim Mondal, Arpita Sarkar
- Arrested under
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
- Investigating agency
- West Bengal Special Task Force (STF)
- Targeted official
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
- Country of handlers
- Pakistan
Quotes
Gaurav Sharma
STF Inspector General
“It is not just about West Bengal. If such networks are operating across different states, the country’s intelligence agencies need to be more alert.”
indianexpress.com
“Three people used to work there. I had no idea he was involved in such activities. I rented out the premises because I knew his father.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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