The West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force has claimed to have foiled a Pakistan-linked terror conspiracy involving suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative Hamim Mondal, who allegedly received instructions from foreign handlers to target senior political leaders, infiltrate a protest in the national capital, and recruit individuals through honey-trap tactics.
The revelations emerged after Mondal was arrested from Renaissance Residency in Bardhaman on the night of July 31. Police later arrested his alleged associate, Arpita Sarkar, from Sahibganj in neighbouring Jharkhand and brought her to Bardhaman for further investigation.
According to the STF, both accused are being questioned and the investigation remains underway.
Probe began after intelligence input
The investigation was initiated after the STF received specific intelligence about a conspiracy to extort a senior political leader from Howrah while simultaneously attempting to honey-trap and kidnap his son.
While pursuing the lead, investigators identified suspicious online activity linked to an account allegedly operated by Arpita Sarkar from Sahibganj.
The STF said surveillance was immediately launched, while local police were alerted to secure the intended target and strengthen security arrangements.
During the surveillance, investigators allegedly established that Sarkar was in frequent contact with Hamim Mondal, who had earlier lived in Pilkhana in Howrah before shifting to Bardhaman.
Based on the findings, Mondal was taken into custody and subjected to detailed interrogation.
Links to Pakistan-based online handlers
According to the STF, interrogation of Mondal, coupled with technical analysis of his digital devices, revealed communication with multiple online handles identified as “Rana”, “Uzair” and “Abir Jat 333”.
Police alleged that these conversations initially took place on Instagram before shifting to WhatsApp and encrypted communication platforms, including Telegram, Session and Element X.
Investigators claim the online identities were being operated from Pakistan and were linked to the Shahzad Bhatti gang.
According to the STF, the alleged network was engaged in spreading radical propaganda, identifying vulnerable youth and attempting to recruit them for anti-national and subversive activities.
The police are examining digital evidence recovered during the investigation to verify the extent of the alleged network’s activities.
Plot to target Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
Among the most significant claims made by the STF is a conspiracy to target West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
According to investigators, communication records recovered during the probe suggest that Hamim Mondal had been instructed by his alleged handlers to closely monitor the Chief Minister’s movements and identify locations where he could be vulnerable or have minimal security.
Police claimed Mondal was tasked with conducting reconnaissance and sharing details that could potentially facilitate an attack.
The STF said the matter is being investigated further and appropriate security agencies have been informed.
Plan to infiltrate Jantar Mantar protest
The investigation has also uncovered what police describe as a conspiracy to infiltrate the recent student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
According to the STF, digital communication suggests Mondal was allegedly instructed by Pakistan-based handlers to arrange a police uniform and create disturbances during the protest.
A senior STF official alleged that the handlers wanted Mondal to infiltrate the demonstration while disguised as a police officer and carry out subversive activities that could create law and order issues.
Investigators are examining the recovered chats and other digital evidence to determine the precise nature of the alleged plan.
The STF further alleged that discussions also included targeting certain police personnel and political leaders as part of the broader conspiracy.
Honey-trap plot involving minister’s son
The STF has also alleged that Hamim Mondal was attempting to honey-trap the son of a senior minister from Howrah with the help of Arpita Sarkar.
According to investigators, Sarkar and Mondal had known each other for nearly four years after initially connecting through Instagram before eventually meeting in person.
Police described the two as being in a relationship and alleged that Mondal had recently attempted to draw Sarkar into the activities of the suspected network.
Investigators claim digital evidence indicates Sarkar was also in communication with the alleged Pakistan-based handlers, although her exact role is still being examined.
The STF said further forensic analysis is underway to establish her level of involvement.
Funding links under investigation
Apart from examining digital communication, investigators are also probing possible financial links between the accused and their alleged handlers.
The STF said bank accounts and financial transactions are being scrutinised to determine whether funds were transferred from Pakistan or through intermediary channels to support the alleged activities.
Officials said no conclusions have been reached regarding the financial trail and further verification is underway.
The background of Hamim Mondal is also being examined as part of the broader investigation.
Police emphasised that the probe remains at an active stage and additional details will be shared only after verification of evidence.
The investigation is expected to focus on identifying other individuals who may have been in contact with the accused, analysing encrypted communication, tracing financial transactions and determining whether the alleged conspiracy had links beyond West Bengal.
