NIA raids 15 locations nationwide including Kolkata in crackdown on ISI-linked espionage under Op Sindoor

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched a large-scale operation on Saturday morning under the ongoing "Operation Sindoor" to target espionage activities linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI. Coordinated raids were conducted simultaneously at around 15 locations across India, including three areas in Kolkata — Park Circus, Mominpur, and Ikbalpur. The operation aims to clamp down on suspected networks involved in sending funds and information to Pakistan.

During a raid at a tour and travel agency located on Diamond Harbour Road in Kolkata, NIA officials arrived with a team of 20-25 personnel. The shop owner reported that the officers showed their identity cards and conducted a search, seizing his mobile phone for further examination. The officials told him that through his phone, a transaction of ₹5,000 had been traced, which was allegedly sent to Pakistan via a third-party app. The shopkeeper stated that he only carried out transactions on customers’ requests. He has been called for questioning at the NIA office on Monday.

The government has reiterated its position that any form of betrayal on Indian soil will not be tolerated. Every suspicious individual and financial transaction related to national security concerns will be investigated thoroughly. The operation reflects heightened vigilance in monitoring covert funding and communication channels connected to foreign intelligence agencies.