In a significant security development, a Bangladeshi national claiming to be a former intelligence agent has been arrested near the Bengdubi Army Cantonment in Bagdogra, raising concerns about possible cross-border espionage.
The individual, identified as Ashraful Alam, is a resident of Rangpur district in Bangladesh. He was spotted by local residents behaving suspiciously in the MM Terai area, close to the sensitive military zone. Promptly acting on a tip-off, personnel from the 5th FOD unit of the Indian Army detained Alam and handed him over to the Bagdogra Police for further investigation.
During preliminary questioning, Alam reportedly claimed that he had served in the Bangladeshi intelligence services. He is believed to have illegally crossed into India six months ago by navigating the river border near Rajshahi. Authorities confirmed that he was not in possession of any identity documents at the time of his arrest.
Police have registered a case and plan to produce Alam before the Siliguri court on Saturday, where a request for his police remand will be submitted to enable deeper interrogation. Investigators are now working to track his activities over the past several months, especially his movements around military zones and any contacts he may have established within India.
The incident comes at a time of heightened tension between India and Pakistan, with recent military operations and drone incursions prompting increased vigilance along all borders. Intelligence agencies are reportedly assessing whether Alam’s presence in Bagdogra was a lone act or part of a coordinated intelligence effort.
Security in the area has been tightened, and central intelligence officials have been briefed on the case. The nature of Alam’s mission in India remains unclear, but authorities are treating the case as a serious national security concern.