The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police arrested three suspected ISIS operatives from Kolkata’s Rajdanga area. The suspects had been under long-term surveillance and are accused of plotting to set up sleeper cells across West Bengal with direct links to handlers in Syria.
Forged Identities and Fake Careers Used to Evade Detection
The three accused had rented a flat in the Kasba locality of Kolkata by impersonating senior IT professionals, using forged documents and identities. The landlord allegedly took a substantial rent in cash and failed to verify their background. Investigators believe this deception allowed the suspects to operate covertly for almost a month without raising suspicion in the neighborhood.
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Evidence Reveals Links to Syria-Based Handlers
Electronic surveillance and intercepted communication provided intelligence agencies with clues about the suspects’ connection to overseas ISIS handlers. Digital devices, forged IDs, planning documents, and extremist materials were recovered during the raid. According to officials, the arrested individuals were actively plotting to activate sleeper cells in different districts of West Bengal, using encrypted messaging platforms to stay in touch with foreign-based handlers.
Ongoing Probe to Trace Local Network and Future Threats
The three suspects are currently in custody and being interrogated to reveal the extent of their terror network. Authorities are focusing on identifying local collaborators, potential targets, and funding sources. The investigation is likely to expand as agencies look into digital footprints, financial trails, and communications to ensure no additional cells are active in the region.