2 hrs ago
NIA Takes Over Suspected Spy Case as Trial Moves Kolkata
The National Investigation Agency, or NIA, is now investigating a suspected spying case.
The case was first handled by the Special Task Force of Bengal Police.
A court in Burdwan sent the case papers to a special NIA court in Kolkata.
Three people—Hamim Mondal, Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Singh—are accused in the case.
Investigators say they collected information about the movements of Bengal leaders.
They also allege that the group had links to Pakistan.
The investigators are examining whether more people were involved and whether attacks were planned.
The next court hearing will take place on 23 September.
The National Investigation Agency took over the suspected Pakistani spy case from the Special Task Force.
The Burdwan District Court transferred the case documents and legal proceedings to the NIA Court in Kolkata.
Three accused—Hamim Mondal, Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Singh—were produced virtually during the proceedings.
Investigators allege the accused gathered information about the movements and locations of Bengal political leaders.
The next hearing is scheduled for 23 September in the NIA Court in Kolkata.
- Who
- The National Investigation Agency, the Special Task Force of Bengal Police, and accused Hamim Mondal, Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Singh are central to the case.
- What
- The NIA has taken over a suspected Pakistani spy case and the trial has been transferred to an NIA court.
- Where
- The arrests occurred in Renaissance Township in Bardhaman, a village in Jharkhand and Howrah; the case has been shifted to Kolkata.
- When
- Hamim Mondal was arrested on 31 July; Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Singh were arrested over the following two days. The next hearing is scheduled for 23 September.
- Why
- The NIA took over the investigation from the Special Task Force, filed a fresh FIR and is examining alleged Pakistan links, surveillance and possible attack plans.
Key facts
- Investigating agency
- National Investigation Agency
- Previous investigating agency
- Special Task Force of Bengal Police
- Accused
- Hamim Mondal, Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Singh
- Court transfer
- Burdwan District Court referred the case to the NIA Court in Kolkata.
- Next hearing
- 23 September
- Key allegation
- Investigators allege the accused monitored the movements of Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and other ministers.
- Additional investigation
- Authorities are examining alleged links to Pakistan, possible collaborators, funding sources and suspected sabotage plans.
Quotes
Kamal Dutta
Defence counsel representing the accused in the case
“NIA took over the probe from the STF and filed a fresh FIR. As a result, the entire documents of the case have been transferred to Kolkata. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for 23 September, and I am now freed from representing the accused in the case today.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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