Three held in Coochbehar over suspected Pakistan-ISI links

What Happened

The West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested three men from Sahebganj in Coochbehar district on August 15, 2026, after an internal tip-off. Officials say the suspects, Rashidul and Nasiruddin, both residents of Sahebganj in the Dinhata II block, and Safikul, a resident of Kishanganj in Bihar, are being investigated for links with the Pakistan-based ISI. The STF recovered Indian SIM cards during searches at the suspects’ homes and allege that the men had been smuggling these SIM cards to Pakistan via Bangladesh. Authorities also state the trio has operated a counterfeit Indian currency racket for several years. The accused were produced before a Dinhata court on August 15, which granted 14 days of police custody. Interrogation is ongoing to uncover additional associates and any direct communication with ISI. Officials described the case as a standalone development at this stage, with no confirmed links to other ISI cases in the state. One of the three is even being investigated for a possible Pakistani nationality, according to the STF chief. The arrest occurred in the early hours of the day, and the investigation is continuing to map the broader network, if any.

Why It Matters

The authorities say the inquiry is aimed at tracing ISI-proxy networks operating within India, including channels used to facilitate cross-border communication and illicit currency activity. The development comes days after a separate STF operation in North 24 Parganas and Bongaon led to the detention of a Pakistani national suspected of espionage on Indian railways and army installations on behalf of ISI since 2012. The broader context involves ongoing efforts by state police to disrupt alleged foreign-intelligence activity and criminal networks that may support intelligence operations or illicit trade.

Background

The report notes earlier actions by security forces against individuals linked to ISI in surrounding areas, indicating a regional focus on identifying and dismantling suspected espionage networks. Concurrent actions in Bengaluru involved another individual from North 24 Parganas facing allegations tied to terrorist training plans by an Afghanistan-based group. While officials have described the current case as standalone so far, investigators are examining potential connections to other ISI-affiliated activity in the region.

Key Facts

• The STF arrested three men from Sahebganj, Coochbehar, on August 15, 2026.
• The accused are Rashidul (Sahebganj, Dinhata II block), Nasiruddin (Sahebganj, Dinhata II block), and Safikul (Bihar’s Kishanganj).
• The STF alleged they smuggled Indian SIM cards to Pakistan via Bangladesh and ran a counterfeit Indian currency racket for several years.
• Police produced the three before the Dinhata court on August 15, 2026, which granted 14 days’ police custody.
• Interrogation is aimed at tracing associates and any communication with ISI; officials said the case appears standalone so far.
• One accused was suspected of possible Pakistani nationality; further probe is underway.

What Happens Next

Authorities indicated ongoing interrogations to map additional links and channels with ISI, as well as to identify other possible associates connected to the case. No date for further court proceedings beyond the current 14-day custody period is provided in the report, but investigators are expected to continue pursuing leads related to cross-border smuggling and currency-counterfeiting networks if substantiated by evidence.