Former Indian Army Lance Naik Arrested in Bengal for Alleged ISI Espionage

A former Indian Army Lance Naik was taken into custody in Alipurduar, Bengal, on accusations of spying for Pakistan’s ISI. The arrested man lives in Rasulpur village of Tarn Taran district in Punjab. Punjab police officers travelled to Hasimara, a town close to the India‑Bhutan border where the Army maintains a cantonment, and arrested him with help from the local Hasimara police. Officials say he worked with another person who is still at large. Additional public prosecutor Soumitra Sinha Sarkar told the court that the Punjab team followed the ex‑soldier’s trail into West Bengal. He said the accused is charged with passing classified Army information to the foreign intelligence service. The additional chief judicial magistrate at Siliguri court ordered a transit remand, allowing the suspect to be moved back to Punjab. The case was registered by Fazilka police on Oct 8 under the Official Secrets Act. Police officials who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the charges and the ongoing investigation.

Context

Spying cases like this trigger joint action between state police forces and the military because they involve national security. The Official Secrets Act is used to punish anyone who leaks defence information. Tracking accomplices is a standard part of such investigations.