Bengal STF arrests 2 for helping Pakistani agents with Indian WhatsApp via fake SIM cards

The Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police has arrested Mukesh Razak and Rakesh Kumar Gupta for allegedly supplying Indian mobile numbers to Pakistani intelligence handlers to operate WhatsApp accounts. The arrests took place earlier this week in the Memari area of East Bardhaman district. Both accused were reportedly residing in a rented flat and claimed to be associated with a non-governmental organization (NGO).

According to STF officials, the two suspects used multiple Indian identity documents to procure prepaid SIM cards from the open market. These SIMs were then used to activate WhatsApp accounts. The OTPs required for account activation were shared with handlers in Pakistan. This allowed Pakistani agents to run WhatsApp accounts using Indian mobile numbers without attracting suspicion.

Investigations have revealed that the operation was conducted from a residential flat in Memari, where the duo had introduced themselves to the landlord as English teachers. They told neighbours they were leading a social welfare NGO. Locals reported that they generally kept a low profile, though unknown individuals were seen visiting them occasionally and staying for short durations.

Police have identified the two accused as Mukesh Razak, a resident of Panagarh in West Bardhaman, and Rakesh Kumar Gupta, a resident of Bhawanipur in South Kolkata. Their mobile phones have been seized, and officials are analyzing digital data to determine the extent of communication and data sharing involved. Authorities are also verifying the documents used for purchasing the SIM cards.

The STF is probing whether Razak and Gupta are part of a larger espionage network allegedly linked to Pakistan’s ISI. Police are working to identify additional individuals who may be involved in similar operations. The investigation is focused on how long the accused were engaged in this activity and whether any classified or sensitive information was transmitted using the WhatsApp accounts.