Kolkata, 10 July (H.S.): In a major breakthrough, the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police has uncovered a suspected espionage network allegedly linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Two individuals, Mukesh Razak and Rakesh Kumar Gupta, were arrested earlier this week for facilitating Pakistani handlers with Indian mobile numbers to activate WhatsApp accounts.

According to police sources, the accused confessed during interrogation that they procured multiple prepaid SIM cards using forged or misused Indian identity documents. These SIM cards were then used to generate WhatsApp One-Time Passwords (OTPs), which were shared with Pakistani operatives. Once activated, these WhatsApp accounts—registered with Indian numbers—allowed Pakistani agents to communicate without drawing suspicion.

The operation was reportedly being run from a rented apartment in Memari, a town in Purba Bardhaman district, which has no prior reputation for espionage-related activities. The duo had introduced themselves to the landlord as English tutors and posed as representatives of a social welfare NGO to locals. Their low-profile demeanor and limited interactions with neighbors helped them avoid detection for a considerable time. However, locals noted that unidentified individuals occasionally visited the flat and stayed for brief periods.

Mukesh Razak is a resident of Panagarh in Paschim Bardhaman district, while Rakesh Kumar Gupta hails from the Bhawanipur area of South Kolkata. Investigators believe the two are part of a larger spy network operating to leak sensitive Indian data to Pakistan.

The STF has seized their mobile phones and is currently analyzing them to determine the nature and extent of the information shared, and how long they have been involved in activities aiding the ISI. Police suspect more individuals may be linked to the racket, and a wider manhunt is underway to identify and apprehend other members of the network.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh