IS-linked Pak national arrested in Bengal, had spied on Army, BSF, Railways

The suspect has been identified as Rana Rauf, a resident of Faisalabad in Pakistan. Investigators believe that he was directly recruited by the ISI and had been operating in the country using fake Indian documents.The suspect, originally from Faisalabad in Pakistan, is accused of spying on the Army, BSF and Railways, and is believed to have been directly recruited by the ISI.The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a suspected Pakistani spy with links to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He is accused of collecting sensitive information related to the Army, Border Security Force and the Railways.The suspect has been identified as Rana Rauf, a resident of Faisalabad in Pakistan. Investigators believe that he was directly recruited by the ISI and had been operating in the country using fake Indian documents.According to sources, Rauf had been staying in Nepal since 2012 and entered India illegally by crossing the border. After arriving in West Bengal, he allegedly attempted to establish a permanent identity in Kolkata.Investigators said Rauf adopted the name Wahf and obtained forged Indian identity documents carrying a fictitious address in Topsia, Kolkata. The fraudulent documents have been seized by the authorities.The sources added that Rauf had allegedly been tasked with collecting sensitive information relating to the Army's Eastern Command in Kolkata, BSF movements and railway infrastructure and operations. Investigators are also probing allegations that he was attempting to recruit Indian nationals living in Nepal into the espionage network.The STF has picked up another person believed to be associated with Rauf. His role and the extent of the alleged network are being examined.According to sources, Rauf was reporting directly to handlers linked to the ISI.Investigators are also looking into his movements between Nepal and India and his plans to leave India.Sources said Rauf was planning to travel to Pakistan through Bangladesh.- EndsPublished By: Karishma Saurabh KalitaPublished On: Aug 12, 2026 11:59 IST