Pakistani National Arrested in West Bengal for Espionage Activities

Wahab Alam, a Pakistani national, has been arrested in West Bengal for allegedly gathering intelligence on Indian military and railway operations. He entered India in 2012 and was found with forged identification documents. Authorities suspect he was planning to flee to Bangladesh. The investigation is ongoing to uncover his connections and the information he may have shared with his handlers in Pakistan. State officials have urged the public to remain vigilant against such threats.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 16:09 IST

Arrest of Pakistani National in West Bengal

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Kolkata, August 12: Wahab Alam, a Pakistani citizen, was apprehended in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Authorities allege that he was dispatched by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to gather intelligence on the Indian Army, Navy, and Railways in the eastern region.

Alam was taken into custody in the Habra locality of the district.

According to sources within the state police, during extensive questioning by the Special Task Force (STF), he confessed to entering India via the India-Nepal border in 2012 and has been residing in various locations across the state, frequently changing his whereabouts.

Upon his arrest, the STF recovered counterfeit Indian identification documents from him, including an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and EPIC card. Reports indicate that these forged documents were obtained through an accomplice, Muhammad Izaz, who was also detained by the STF in the Topsia area of East Kolkata following Alam's interrogation.

Prior to his arrest in Habra, Alam had been living at Izaz’s home in Topsia. However, it was reported that he vacated the area shortly after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative commenced in West Bengal earlier this year, ahead of the recent Assembly elections.

Investigators believe Alam was likely planning to escape to Bangladesh, prompting his move to Habra, which is in close proximity to the India-Bangladesh border. The STF is currently interrogating both Alam and Izaz to uncover details about their associates within the state.

Authorities are also probing the extent of information Alam may have relayed to his handlers in Pakistan.

In response to inquiries from the media regarding the arrest, Agnimitra Paul, the state’s Minister for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development, remarked that such individuals could establish a stronger presence in West Bengal due to the previous administration's leniency.

“I urge the public to remain vigilant. If you notice any suspicious individuals or activities in your area, please report them to the local police immediately,” she advised.