Pakistan Based Handlers Named In Bengal Terror FIR, STF Alleges Wider Conspiracy Linked To Delhi Protest

Kolkata: The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has expanded its investigation into an alleged Pakistan backed terror network after naming several foreign handlers in an FIR filed against arrested terror suspect Mohammad Hamim Mondal. Investigators claim the accused was in regular contact with operatives based across the border and was allegedly tasked with carrying out activities aimed at disturbing public order in India.

The FIR names four alleged Pakistan based handlers identified as Rana, Uzair, Abid Jatt 333, and Hamad. According to the STF, the men remained in touch with Mondal through encrypted messaging platforms and are suspected to have directed his activities from abroad. Officials say the investigation is still in its early stages, and the allegations mentioned in the FIR are yet to be examined by a court.

Mondal, 24, was arrested by the STF from Purba Bardhaman district last week. Investigators suspect he was associated with the Pakistan based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), though the agency is still gathering evidence to establish the extent of those alleged links. A court has remanded him to STF custody as investigators continue questioning him and analysing digital evidence recovered during the operation.

One of the most serious allegations made by the STF is that Mondal was instructed by his handlers to travel to Delhi during the recent student protest at Jantar Mantar. According to investigators, he was allegedly asked to wear a police uniform and create chaos at the protest to trigger panic and law and order problems. Police claim the plan was discussed through encrypted communication channels, though they have not said whether it had reached the execution stage.

The investigation has also thrown up allegations that Mondal had been asked to gather information about the movements of West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Investigators believe he was instructed to identify locations where security arrangements were comparatively weak and pass the information to his alleged handlers. Officials have clarified that these findings are part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been tested in court.

The probe took another turn with the arrest of Mondal’s girlfriend, Arpita Sarkar, from Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district. The STF alleges Sarkar was part of a honey trap operation used to befriend political figures and collect sensitive personal information. Investigators claim chats recovered from mobile phones indicate she remained in regular contact with Mondal and allegedly shared information gathered during these interactions. Her exact role, however, remains under investigation.

Digital evidence has become a key focus of the case. According to the STF, foreign SIM cards issued in the United Kingdom and Mexico were recovered during the investigation. Officials suspect these SIM cards were used to conceal communications with overseas handlers. Investigators also claim Mondal relied on encrypted platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Session and Element X, to stay connected with the alleged network while avoiding surveillance.

The agency believes social media played an important role in the alleged conspiracy. Investigators say Mondal was first radicalised online before coming into contact with Pakistan based operatives. They also claim his relationship with Sarkar began through Instagram several years ago, and that digital evidence recovered from their accounts helped investigators piece together the alleged network.

Senior STF officials say the investigation is now focused on identifying others who may have been connected to the alleged module. Digital forensic experts are examining mobile phones, chat histories, financial transactions and other electronic records to establish whether more individuals were involved or whether the accused had links with sleeper cells operating in different parts of the country.

Authorities have indicated that they are withholding several operational details because of the sensitive nature of the investigation. More arrests have not been ruled out, and investigators say they are continuing to verify the identities and roles of the foreign handlers named in the FIR.

As of now, the allegations made by the STF remain part of an ongoing investigation. No court has ruled on the claims, and the accused are entitled to the legal presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The investigation is expected to continue over the coming weeks as officials analyse fresh evidence and pursue leads emerging from digital forensic examinations.

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