The Compromised Call: How A Third-Party Mobile Phone Led The NIA Straight To Ex-TMC MLA Saokat Molla | Exclusive

Last Updated:June 06, 2026, 03:14 IST

Officials successfully intercepted and apprehended the suspect while he was allegedly attempting to re-enter Kolkata

In a swift and coordinated counter-terror operation, investigators from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have apprehended Saokat Molla near Kolkata following a botched cross-border escape attempt. Acting on precise intelligence, central agencies tracked the suspect through a compromised communication channel, bringing an end to a high-stakes pursuit that involved multi-agency coordination along the international border.

The Intercepted Border Escape

The operation commenced on Thursday when the NIA received concrete intelligence indicating that Saokat, accompanied by an unidentified associate, was actively attempting to cross the border. Responding to the imminent escape threat, the NIA immediately alerted the Border Security Force (BSF) and significantly intensified surveillance operations across key transit points. However, upon becoming aware of the heavily heightened security arrangements at the border, Saokat allegedly abandoned his extraction plan, retraced his steps, and went into hiding at a secure location near Kolkata.

The Digital Footprint and Local Surveillance

Despite his attempts to evade capture, investigators quickly uncovered Saokat’s secondary communication network. Intelligence officials learned that the fugitive was attempting to maintain contact with his family members by routing calls through a mobile phone belonging to a third party. Armed with this operational lead, the NIA subjected several individuals close to the suspect to intense questioning, successfully gathering actionable information regarding the exact communication channel he was utilising to bypass standard surveillance.

The Final Apprehension

Using the technical breakthrough from the compromised mobile channel, the NIA systematically tracked Saokat’s real-time movements as he attempted to shift locations. The operation culminated when central officials successfully intercepted and apprehended the suspect while he was allegedly attempting to re-enter the capital city of Kolkata. Saokat remains in federal custody as investigators continue to map out the logistics and local support systems that facilitated his brief period in hiding.

About the Author

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting...Read More

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