Kolkata: What began as an investigation into an alleged honey trap and extortion racket has now led the West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) to uncover what it describes as a Pakistan backed terror conspiracy with plans to infiltrate a major protest in Delhi and gather intelligence on a senior political leader in West Bengal.
The STF has arrested Hamim Mondal, a resident of Purba Bardhaman, alleging that he was working under the direction of handlers linked to the Pakistan based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). According to investigators, Mondal was instructed to travel to Delhi wearing a police uniform, mingle with crowds during a protest at Jantar Mantar and trigger unrest without immediately drawing suspicion.
Police further claim that his handlers assigned him another sensitive task keeping track of the movements and security arrangements of West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. Investigators believe the information was meant to identify possible security gaps, though they say no attack was ultimately carried out.
Speaking to reporters, STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma said the investigation points to an organised network operating from across the border with local operatives carrying out instructions in India. He said investigators have collected digital evidence that suggests the accused was in regular contact with foreign handlers and that the probe is now focused on identifying others who may have been part of the alleged network.
The investigation took a dramatic turn with the arrest of Arpita Sarkar, Mondal’s girlfriend, from Sahibganj in Jharkhand. According to the STF, Sarkar was already under scrutiny in connection with an alleged honey trap and extortion case involving the son of a West Bengal minister. During that investigation, officers reportedly recovered digital evidence that led them to Mondal and uncovered what they believe are links to Pakistan based operatives.
Police allege that Sarkar used social media to befriend influential individuals and helped gather information that could later be exploited. Investigators say the couple had known each other for around four years after meeting on Instagram and remained in close contact while allegedly carrying out instructions received online.
The STF also claims to have recovered international SIM cards issued in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Officials suspect these were used to communicate securely with handlers based outside India. Investigators are examining WhatsApp chats, social media accounts, mobile phones and other electronic devices seized during the operation to establish the extent of the alleged network.
According to officials, several Pakistan-based online identities including profiles using the names “Rana”, “Uzair”, “Abid Jatt 333” and “Hamad” are being investigated for allegedly coordinating the operation. Police believe Mondal may have been radicalised through online platforms before coming into contact with foreign handlers.
Investigators have also alleged links between the accused and the Shahzad Bhatti gang, a network Indian agencies have accused of involvement in radicalisation, terror recruitment and narco terror activities. Authorities are now examining whether the suspected module had additional operatives in other states and whether any further targets had been identified.
A court has remanded Mondal to 14 days of STF custody as investigators continue questioning him. Officials say the focus now is on tracing financial transactions, analysing communication records and identifying anyone else who may have assisted the alleged conspiracy.
The case has drawn the attention of security agencies because of the alleged cross border links and the use of encrypted online communication. Investigators are coordinating with central agencies to determine whether the suspected module was part of a larger network operating beyond West Bengal.
The investigation is still at a preliminary stage, and all allegations made by the STF remain subject to judicial scrutiny. Neither of the accused has been convicted, and the claims made by investigators will ultimately have to be tested in court.
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