Kolkata, 10 July (H.S.):

In a joint operation between the Indian Army and Kolkata Police, a Bangladeshi national was arrested near the Eastern Command Headquarters at Fort William on suspicion of espionage. The individual, identified as Azeem Sheikh from Khulna district in Bangladesh, was reportedly loitering suspiciously around the main gate of the highly secured military installation.

According to sources, Azeem had illegally entered India several years ago and had been residing in an apartment in the Garden Reach area of Kolkata with some alleged relatives. His repeated suspicious movements near Fort William recently drew the attention of Army personnel, prompting an initial inquiry.

Upon interrogation, it was discovered that Azeem was carrying two Aadhaar cards with conflicting details, including different birth dates. One of the cards listed a woman as his mother whose birth year suggested an implausible six-year age gap between the two—raising serious concerns over the authenticity of the documents. Authorities have confirmed both ID cards to be fake.

Security Agencies Suspect Espionage; Investigation Intensifies

Following a tip-off from the Army's intelligence unit, Azeem was detained and handed over to the Kolkata Police. He is currently being held at Hastings police station, where he is undergoing extensive questioning. Investigators are trying to determine why he was frequently seen near Fort William and whether he had any links to an espionage network.

Officials involved in the investigation said that although it is in the preliminary stage, several red flags have already emerged—the suspect's Bangladeshi nationality, possession of forged identification, and his presence near a key military zone. These factors have prompted intelligence and law enforcement agencies to treat the matter as highly sensitive.

Security personnel are now focused on uncovering Azeem’s possible connections and the real purpose behind his presence in Kolkata. Police officials believe further interrogation may lead to more critical revelations.

The case has raised serious security concerns, especially given the strategic importance of Fort William as the command center for the Indian Army's Eastern operations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh