The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a parallel inquiry into the case of Wahab Alam, a Pakistani national arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police from Habra in North 24 Parganas district earlier this week. The central agency has reached out to the Bengal STF to obtain full details of the investigation, including Alam's alleged connections to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

What the Preliminary Probe Revealed

According to sources familiar with the development, the STF's initial investigation indicated that Alam allegedly entered India illegally in 2012 using forged Indian identity documents, crossing into West Bengal through Nepal. Investigators reportedly believe he was dispatched by the ISI to collect intelligence on the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Railways in the country's eastern sector.

A co-accused, Mohammad Izaz, has also been arrested and remains in STF custody. Izaz allegedly helped arrange Alam's settlement within India after his illegal entry.

NIA's Focus Areas

The NIA is particularly interested in mapping Alam's communication networks — the persons he maintained regular contact with and his movements across West Bengal over the years. Investigators are assessing whether the alleged network extends beyond the two arrested individuals.

Officials are considering a joint interrogation of Alam and Izaz to cross-check their statements and establish the full scope of their alleged activities. Sources said this approach could help determine the breadth of the network and any additional operatives involved.

Digital Evidence and Diplomatic Channels

The Bengal STF is examining communications retrieved from Alam's mobile phone and a netbook seized at the time of his arrest. Separately, information has emerged that Alam had married a local woman named Shilu during his time in Nepal.

The West Bengal Police is now approaching the Ministry of External Affairs through diplomatic channels to obtain details about Alam's wife from the Nepal government. This international coordination signals the cross-border dimensions of the case.

Significance of the Arrest

The case underscores persistent concerns about infiltration through India's porous borders with Nepal, a route that security agencies have flagged in previous espionage-related arrests. Notably, this is not the first instance in which the ISI has allegedly used forged documents to plant operatives in eastern India — a region of strategic sensitivity given its proximity to the Chicken's Neck corridor and key military installations.

As the NIA deepens its assessment, the findings could determine whether the agency formally takes over the case from the state STF or continues in an advisory capacity. The next few days of interrogation are expected to be critical.