JeM operative plotted attack on Suvendu Adhikari, Jantar Mantar sabotage — how girlfriend’s social media led STF to him

STF Unveils JeM Operative’s Multi-Pronged Conspiracy: CM Attack and Jantar Mantar Sabotage Plot

Theindiapostdaily.com – West Bengal’s Special Task Force has apprehended Mohammed Hamim Mondal, an alleged member of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed organization. According to reports from PTI, the detainee orchestrated plans to assault Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari while simultaneously preparing to disrupt a student demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The operative intended to blend in by wearing a police uniform during the sabotage mission.

Inspector General Gaurav Sharma of the STF confirmed that Mondal was taken into custody from Purba Bardhaman district on Friday. He was subsequently transported to Kolkata for detailed interrogation. During a press briefing, Sharma revealed that evidence has connected Mondal to handlers stationed in Pakistan, indicating he was operating under their direct instructions.

Targeting the Chief Minister and Political Figures

“The chief minister was one of the targets. Hamim had been assigned by Pakistan-based handlers the task of keeping a watch on the CM’s movements. He was asked to gather information on the places the chief minister could remain unguarded,” Sharma stated.

Beyond the chief minister, preliminary findings suggest that multiple law enforcement personnel and political dignitaries were also marked for potential action by this alleged terror cell. The STF noted that Mondal’s objectives extended beyond a single high-profile target.

Girlfriend and Associate Also Detained in Honey-Trap Scheme

In a connected development, Arpita Sarkar, identified as Mondal’s girlfriend and close associate, was apprehended by the STF on Friday. Authorities allege that the pair conspired to execute a honey-trap operation targeting the son of a West Bengal minister of state. The ultimate goal was to kidnap the young man and demand ransom from his family.

“Our investigation has revealed a specific plan to lure the minister’s son into a honey-trap, followed by kidnapping and blackmail. The conspiracy was directed by Pakistan-based handlers. We are probing the precise role of each accused and whether others were involved,” a senior STF officer explained.

Investigators believe the couple aimed to build personal connections with key individuals to extract confidential information, following directives from Pakistan-based handlers associated with the Shahzad Bhatti gang.

Digital Evidence and Communication Channels

During the search, authorities seized international SIM cards originating from the United Kingdom and Mexico. Sharma indicated these cards were likely utilized for encrypted conversations with overseas handlers, helping to bolster sleeper cells and expand the terror network across various regions of India.

Further examination of Mondal’s mobile device and social media activity uncovered significant details. He reportedly maintained contact with multiple Pakistan-based handlers via encrypted applications including WhatsApp and Telegram. Initial connections were made on Instagram, after which communication shifted to platforms like Element X and Session.

Investigators have identified four handlers using the aliases ‘Rana’, ‘Uzair’, ‘Abid Jatt 333’, and ‘Hamad’. These individuals are believed to be part of the Shahzad Bhatti gang, which engages in radicalization, narco-terror operations, and extremist recruitment.

Social Media Trail Led to the Arrest

“During the investigation of his mobile phone and social media chat history, we have found some very serious information. He was in touch with several Pakistan-based handlers through encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram,” Sharma added.

The probe initially commenced after intelligence suggested a scheme to extort funds from a senior politician by targeting his son. A few days prior, authorities received tips about a conspiracy involving a Howrah-based politician. This information pointed investigators toward a social media account operated by Arpita Sarkar from Sahibganj.

Tracing Sarkar’s online presence eventually led officers to Mondal. Sharma noted that the two had been acquainted for four years, having first connected on Instagram before meeting face-to-face. Investigators are now determining whether Sarkar served as a bait to attract potential targets for the honey-trap operations.

Sharma concluded that ongoing investigations aim to map the complete scope of the alleged terror network, identify additional members, and establish cross-border connections. The STF continues to examine the full extent of Mondal’s involvement and the roles played by other associates in this multi-layered conspiracy.