2 arrested in Bengal for supplying OTPs, SIM access to foreign operatives

The West Bengal Police Special Task Force has arrested two men in Murshidabad for running an illegal OTP-sharing racket with suspected cross-border links. Officers picked up the accused after a targeted operation based on intelligence inputs. The arrests have raised fresh concerns over digital security and possible national security risks.

Investigators identified the accused as Juhab and Suman. According to officials, they supplied One-Time Passwords and SIM-linked digital access to handlers operating from Pakistan and Bangladesh. In return, they allegedly received money through online channels. Police believe the duo enabled unauthorised access to Indian mobile numbers and digital accounts.

The probe began on February 10. STF officers detained Juhab in Murshidabad after receiving a tip-off. During questioning, he revealed details about his associate. Officers then tracked down Suman and arrested him on February 22. Authorities produced him before a Bidhan Nagar court, which granted police custody for further interrogation.

Officials say the suspects used WhatsApp and other digital platforms to transmit OTPs. They allegedly shared login credentials that allowed foreign handlers to activate and operate accounts from within India. In several cases, the duo procured SIM cards using local documentation. After activation, they transferred control of those numbers to overseas operators.

Police suspect the network helped create fake Indian digital identities. Such access could support identity theft, financial fraud, and anonymous online communication. Investigators now examine transaction records and call data to map the wider network.

Moreover, officers see a possible national security angle. They invoked provisions under communication security laws and immigration-related statutes during the investigation. Authorities suspect the illegally obtained credentials may have supported unlawful entry or stay of foreign nationals. Digital identities linked to Indian SIMs can bypass verification systems and mask foreign activity.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to probe links to foreign handlers. Sources indicate that operators based in Pakistan and Bangladesh issued instructions to the accused. The duo allegedly followed directions to open and manage social media accounts, messaging services, and other digital platforms. Police believe these accounts may have supported covert communication or propaganda.

The arrests come amid broader security concerns. Recently, the Delhi Police uncovered an alleged terror module with links to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence. In that operation, officers detained eight suspects from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Investigators found that some individuals allegedly used forged Aadhaar identities.

Police in the Delhi case recovered reconnaissance videos of major Indian cities from seized mobile phones. Authorities suspect that foreign handlers guided those activities. Against that backdrop, the Murshidabad OTP racket adds another layer to ongoing counter-terror investigations.

For now, STF officers continue sustained interrogation of both accused. They aim to uncover financial trails, digital footprints, and operational links. Cyber experts assist the probe to trace communication channels and overseas connections.

Security agencies stress that OTP sharing may appear minor but can fuel larger criminal or extremist operations. Therefore, officials urge citizens to guard personal data and avoid sharing confidential codes. The investigation remains active as police work to dismantle the full network and prevent further misuse of India’s digital infrastructure.