PAKISTANI SPY TARGETED RAILWAYS AND ARMY

PAKISTANI SPY TARGETED RAILWAYS AND ARMY

13-AUG-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI------------------------Pakistani spy Rana Rauf, alias Wahab Alam, has been arrested from the Habra area of ​​North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. Interrogation by the state police's Special Task Force (STF) revealed that he had been tasked with gathering information related to the Indian Army, Navy, and Railways for Pakistan's ISI. According to an IANS report, Alam stated during questioning that he entered the country via the India-Nepal border in 2012 and subsequently lived in various locations across West Bengal, frequently changing his hideouts. [1]

Interrogation revealed details about Alam's prolonged stay in India and his constant relocation. The STF recovered forged Indian identity documents—such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and EPIC (Voter ID) card—from his possession. According to the police, these documents were arranged through another individual, Muhammad Ijaz. Ijaz has also been arrested by the STF from the Topsia area of ​​Kolkata. The investigation further revealed that prior to moving to Habra, Alam had been staying at Ijaz's home in Topsia.

Police state that Alam left Topsia after the SIR (Special Intelligence Report/verification) process was initiated in West Bengal ahead of this year's assembly elections. The STF suspects he was preparing to flee to Bangladesh. Consequently, he chose Habra as his hideout, as it is relatively close to the India-Bangladesh border. Alam and Ijaz are currently undergoing continuous interrogation. Investigative agencies are working to identify other individuals in the state who were in contact with the duo and to determine the nature of the activities taking place between them.

A crucial aspect of the investigation involves determining what kind of information Alam had transmitted to his alleged handlers in Pakistan. Police are questioning him about the intelligence he gathered regarding the activities of the Army, Navy, and Railways. However, the extent and nature of the information shared remain unclear at this stage. The STF is now working to piece together details regarding his contacts, the network he established in India, and the nature of his relationship with Ijaz. The discovery of forged identity documents has expanded the scope of the investigation. Questions have arisen regarding how a foreign national managed to acquire Indian identity credentials such as Aadhaar, PAN, and EPIC cards. The police are now investigating whether Ijaz acted alone in procuring these documents or if others assisted him. Investigators are also focusing on the individuals who helped Alam secure accommodation in various locations and conceal his identity.

According to the state police, the arrest of Pakistani spy Alam has raised critical questions about his alleged network. The investigation aims to determine whether he was operating independently or in collusion with others. Police are also seeking to understand the areas he frequented and the nature of the contacts he established while in India. Meanwhile, the Special Task Force (STF) is interrogating both accused individuals to gather information on potential accomplices and the channels used to transmit intelligence to Pakistan.

State Minister for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development, Agnimitra Paul, has urged the public to remain vigilant regarding this matter. She advised citizens to immediately contact the local police station if they observe any suspicious individuals or activities. The Minister also alleged that such elements were able to entrench themselves in West Bengal during the previous Trinamool Congress administration; however, this remains a political allegation. Currently, the investigation is primarily focused on Alam's alleged espionage network and related details.

The arrest of the Pakistani spy has sparked fresh concerns in West Bengal regarding forged identities, the frequent shifting of hideouts near the border, and security-related activities. The STF is now working to ascertain what information Alam gathered while in India and how he allegedly relayed it to Pakistan. Efforts to locate his accomplices are also underway. A clearer picture of the alleged network is expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. Interrogation of the Pakistani spy is currently ongoing.