ISI-linked Pakistani national arrested in Bengal over 'espionage' targeting Army, BSF, Railways

The suspect has been identified as Rana Rauf, a resident of Faisalabad in Pakistan.

According to investigators, he was allegedly recruited by the ISI and entered India illegally after spending several years in Nepal.

Authorities suspect that Rauf was involved in gathering information related to the Indian Army, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Railways.

Sources said Rauf had been living in Nepal since 2012 before allegedly crossing into India illegally through the border.

After reaching West Bengal, investigators believe he attempted to establish a permanent identity in Kolkata.

He adopted the name Wahf and allegedly obtained forged Indian identity documents using a fictitious address in Kolkata’s Topsia area, according to sources.

The authorities have seized the allegedly fraudulent documents as part of the investigation.

Investigators are now examining how Rauf obtained the documents and whether anyone in India assisted him in creating and maintaining the identity.

Army, BSF, Railways 'targeted'

Investigators suspect that Rauf had been tasked with collecting information considered sensitive from a national security perspective.

According to sources, the alleged targets included the Indian Army’s Eastern Command in Kolkata, BSF movements and railway infrastructure and operations.

The investigation is examining the nature and extent of the information allegedly collected by Rauf, as well as how it may have been transmitted to handlers outside India.

Sources also claimed that Rauf was in direct contact with handlers linked to the ISI.

Probe into recruitment network

The West Bengal STF is also investigating whether the suspected espionage operation extended beyond Rauf.

According to sources, investigators are examining allegations that he attempted to recruit Indian nationals living in Nepal into an espionage network.

The STF has also picked up another person believed to be associated with Rauf.

Investigators are questioning the individual to establish the nature of the association and determine whether a wider network was operating across India and Nepal.

The role of other possible associates is also being examined.

Nepal-India movements

Investigators are scrutinising Rauf’s movements between Nepal and India as part of the ongoing probe.

Authorities are also looking into his alleged plans to leave India and the route he intended to use.

Sources said Rauf was allegedly planning to travel to Pakistan through Bangladesh.

The investigation will examine whether the proposed route was linked to his alleged espionage activities or intended to help him evade Indian authorities.