Kolkata: Bengal STF has uncovered four separate modules allegedly linked to Pakistan’s ISI, each using a different method to operate in the state through handlers in Bangladesh and Nepal.One group, involving Hamim Mondal, Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Singh, allegedly planned gangster-style activities combined with religious indoctrination. Hamim was reportedly close to getting a Beretta pistol from Uttar Pradesh.A second group led by Pakistani national Rana Rouf was focused on spying. Rouf allegedly visited Kolkata six times to collect information on sensitive locations.A third network from Dinajpur and Cooch Behar allegedly helped ISI operatives in Nepal and Bangladesh obtain Indian SIM cards and circulate fake currency. Officials suspect the SIM cards could be used for threats or honey traps, while fake currency helped fund the operation.A fourth module allegedly tried to build an extremist online network inspired by al-Qaida and spread anti-national propaganda on social media.Officials say these cases show a wider strategy involving crime, spying, fake currency, illegal SIM cards and online radicalisation, with support coming through cross-border links in Bangladesh and Nepal.
