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Stories

West Bengal terror module investigations

5 entries over 29 days, from 1 August 2026 to 29 August 2026.

01
1 August

Arrests in West Bengal for Jaish-e-Mohammed links

  • Two individuals, Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar, were arrested in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, by the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police.
  • The suspects are accused of having suspected links with the Pakistan-based terror organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
  • Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were in contact with the terror outfit for over a year via social media platforms.
  • Law enforcement agencies have seized electronic devices and documents from the suspects' residence for forensic analysis.
  • The investigation is currently assessing potential security threats and the scope of the suspects' activities.
02
3 August

Terror suspect arrest by West Bengal STF

  • West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) arrested Hamim Mondal on charges of terror-related activities.
  • Suspect allegedly linked to Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti gang and other terror outfits.
  • Intelligence indicates plans to infiltrate public protests in Delhi using police uniforms to incite violence.
  • Suspect allegedly targeted high-profile political figures and police officers by monitoring security vulnerabilities.
  • Methods identified include radical propaganda, brainwashing, and the use of honey-trapping for abduction.
  • STF is currently analyzing recovered electronic gadgets, encrypted communications, and financial transactions.
  • The suspect has been remanded to 14 days of police custody.
03
17 August

West Bengal arrests for suspected ISI links

  • West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) arrested three individuals in Cooch Behar for suspected links to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
  • Separate STF operation in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas, led to the arrest of two individuals, including a Pakistani national, for alleged espionage against Indian Railways and the Indian Army.
  • Modus operandi identified includes smuggling Indian SIM cards to Pakistan via Bangladesh and operating a counterfeit Indian currency racket.
  • The accused are currently under 14-day police custody for interrogation regarding communication channels and network associates.
04
18 August

Counter-terror operation against ISI-backed network

  • Security agencies dismantled the Pakistan-based 'Shahzad Bhatti Network' in a nationwide operation across 14 States/UTs.
  • Over 200 operatives arrested and 253 individuals detained; more than 80 FIRs registered.
  • Network linked to grenade attacks, IED blasts, petrol bombs, and targeted killings.
  • Modus operandi: Recruitment via social media (Instagram/Facebook) by offering small monetary incentives (₹5,000-₹10,000) to vulnerable youth.
  • Tasks included reconnaissance of police/defence installations, installing CCTV cameras for live-streaming to handlers, and acting as couriers for narcotics and arms.
  • Funding originated from central Asian countries; small transaction amounts often bypassed banking surveillance.
  • Legal framework: Cases registered under UAPA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, NDPS Act, and Explosive Substances Act.
  • The network utilized online manuals for IED/petrol bomb assembly and exploited religious sentiments alongside monetary lures.
  • The operation involved real-time intelligence sharing between Central agencies and State police forces.
05
29 August

Delhi couple arrested for ISI espionage nexus

  • Delhi Police Special Cell arrested a couple (Mohammad Sahil, 25; Sameera, 21) for alleged involvement in an ISI-backed espionage network.
  • The accused were allegedly recruited via social media to provide logistical support to Pakistan-based intelligence operatives.
  • Specific tasks included procuring Indian SIM cards and recruiting individuals for the reconnaissance of Indian cantonment areas.
  • Investigation revealed the use of encrypted communication platforms and social media to coordinate espionage activities within the Delhi-NCR region.
  • Two mobile phones containing incriminating conversations with foreign intelligence operatives were recovered as evidence.

Questions from this story

Newest first. A story that ran for 29 days is exactly the kind the mains paper asks about as one question.

  1. The rise of social media and encrypted communication platforms has introduced new vulnerabilities in national security. Discuss the challenges posed by digital recruitment in espionage and the role of intelligence agencies in countering such threats. 150 words · 29 August
  2. The use of non-state actors and local recruits for reconnaissance activities near sensitive military installations poses a significant threat to internal security. Analyze the evolving nature of espionage in the digital age and suggest strategies to strengthen intelligence gathering and border security mechanisms. 250 words · 29 August
  3. The rise of 'terror-gangster' syndicates operating through social media platforms poses a significant challenge to internal security. Discuss the challenges in tracking such decentralized, technology-driven recruitment networks. 150 words · 18 August
  4. Examine the nexus between organized crime and cross-border terrorism in India. How does the exploitation of social media and digital financial channels for radicalization and logistics complicate the mandate of security agencies? 250 words · 18 August
  5. Examine the challenges posed by cross-border espionage and the use of illicit communication networks in compromising national security infrastructure in border states. 150 words · 17 August
  6. The porous nature of international borders facilitates non-traditional security threats such as counterfeit currency circulation and intelligence gathering by hostile agencies. Discuss the measures required to strengthen internal security and intelligence coordination in border regions. 250 words · 17 August
  7. Discuss the emerging challenges posed by the use of radical propaganda and digital communication networks in facilitating cross-border terrorism in India. How can internal security agencies enhance their counter-intelligence capabilities to address these threats? 150 words · 3 August
  8. The infiltration of public protests and the targeting of constitutional functionaries by non-state actors pose a significant threat to internal security. Analyze the role of specialized state-level task forces in maintaining public order and preventing subversive activities. What institutional reforms are necessary to strengthen the coordination between state police and central intelligence agencies in identifying and neutralizing terror modules? 250 words · 3 August
  9. The use of social media platforms by transnational terror organizations to radicalize and recruit individuals in India poses a significant challenge to internal security. Discuss the measures required to strengthen cyber-intelligence and counter-radicalization frameworks. 150 words · 1 August
  10. The emergence of localized terror modules linked to foreign-based outfits necessitates a robust coordination mechanism between state police forces and central intelligence agencies. Analyze the role of the Special Task Force (STF) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in mitigating threats to national security. 250 words · 1 August