newspop
Kolkata: A suspected operative of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) allegedly planned to target West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and infiltrate the recent student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar by posing as a police officer, according to the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF).
The accused, Mohammed Hamim Mondal, was arrested from Purba Bardhaman district on Friday and later brought to Kolkata for questioning. According to the STF, preliminary investigations suggest Mondal was in contact with Pakistan-based handlers and was allegedly carrying out their instructions.
STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma said the suspect had been tasked with monitoring Suvendu Adhikari’s movements and identifying vulnerable locations where an attack could potentially be carried out. Investigators also alleged that Mondal planned to enter the Jantar Mantar student protest disguised as a police officer with the intention of carrying out acts of sabotage.
The investigation has also uncovered an alleged honeytrap and kidnapping conspiracy. The STF arrested Arpita Sarkar, believed to be Mondal’s associate, in connection with the case. Officials alleged that the duo planned to lure the son of a West Bengal minister into a honeytrap before kidnapping him and extorting money from the family. Investigators suspect the alleged plot was directed by Pakistan-based handlers linked to the Shahzad Bhatti network, while efforts are underway to identify other individuals who may have been involved.
During the investigation, STF officials recovered international SIM cards issued in the United Kingdom and Mexico, which are suspected to have been used for encrypted communication with overseas handlers. Investigators said Mondal allegedly used platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Element X and Session after initially establishing contact through Instagram. Several alleged handlers operating under aliases including Rana, Uzair, Abid Jatt 333 and Hamad have been identified, and officials believe they are linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti network.
According to the STF, Mondal was allegedly radicalised through social media before establishing links with foreign operative. The investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the suspected terror network and identify any additional associates connected to the case.
