The West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has claimed to have uncovered a suspected Pakistan-linked terror network following the arrest of an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative and his alleged accomplice. Investigators allege the accused planned to target West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, infiltrate a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in disguise, and gather intelligence on political leaders. The allegations are based on the ongoing STF investigation and have not yet been tested in court.
Top 10 Developments
1. Main suspect arrested
The STF arrested Mohammad Hamim Mondal from Purba Bardhaman district, alleging that he had established contact with Pakistan-based handlers linked to JeM through social media before shifting to encrypted messaging platforms.
2. Suvendu Adhikari allegedly on target list
According to STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma, Mondal was allegedly instructed to monitor Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s movements and identify moments when his security could be relatively vulnerable.
3. Alleged Jantar Mantar sabotage plan
Investigators claim the suspect was directed to procure a police uniform and infiltrate a recent student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to create disturbances.
4. Girlfriend arrested in Jharkhand
The STF also arrested Arpita Sarkar from Sahibganj, Jharkhand. She has been remanded to police custody along with Mondal as investigators continue questioning both suspects.
5. WhatsApp chats led investigators deeper
Officials say WhatsApp conversations and other digital communications allegedly helped uncover links between the suspects and Pakistan-based handlers, expanding the scope of the investigation.
6. Honey-trap angle under probe
Police allege Sarkar helped obtain information from influential individuals through honey-trap operations. Investigators say they are still verifying her precise role and the extent of her involvement.
7. Encrypted apps and foreign SIM cards recovered
The STF said the suspects allegedly communicated through encrypted applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram and other platforms. Investigators also recovered international SIM cards, reportedly issued in the UK and Mexico, for forensic examination.
8. Wider list of alleged targets
Apart from Suvendu Adhikari, investigators claim the network was collecting information on other politicians, police officers and prominent individuals as part of its alleged surveillance activities.
9. Pakistan links being investigated
The STF alleges the suspects were in contact with Pakistan-based operatives and is tracing financial transactions, communication records and other digital evidence to establish the alleged cross-border network.
10. Investigation continues
Both accused have been remanded to police custody for further interrogation. Officials say more arrests are possible as digital evidence is examined and the alleged network is investigated further.
Why the Case Matters
The case is being treated as a significant national security investigation because it involves allegations of cross-border terror links, surveillance of political leaders, and plans to disrupt a public protest. However, the allegations made by the STF remain under investigation, and the legal process is ongoing.
