Kolkata: The West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a suspected operative of the Pakistan-based banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) from Burdwan, triggering a high-level investigation into his alleged terror links and possible surveillance of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The accused, identified as Hamid Mondal, was apprehended late Thursday from a rented flat in a housing complex in Burdwan town. He was produced before a local court on Friday and remanded for further investigation.
According to police sources, digital devices and documents seized during the operation are being examined for evidence of his alleged involvement in terror-related activities. Investigators are also analysing his communications, contacts and financial trail to determine whether he was part of a larger extremist network.
#BREAKING | Bengal STF arrests Pakistan ISI-linked Hamid Mandal (Sajjad Bhatti Gang) from Bardhaman; sources reveal he was plotting to target CM Suvendu Adhikari.
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Possible JeM Links Under Scanner
The STF suspects Mondal had links with the Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM and is probing his alleged association with Sajjad Bhat, who has been identified by investigators as one of the key conspirators in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.
Officials are trying to establish whether Mondal was acting independently or as part of a wider terror module operating in the region.
CM Adhikari’s Movements Allegedly Tracked
A key focus of the investigation is the alleged recovery of information related to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s movements and public engagements from Mondal’s mobile phone and other documents.
Police sources said investigators are examining why such information was collected and whether it was intended for reconnaissance linked to a possible terror conspiracy. However, officials have not confirmed any planned attack, and the probe remains at a preliminary stage.
Stayed in Burdwan to Evade Detection
According to investigators, Mondal had been staying in the rented accommodation for nearly two to three months, allegedly to avoid attracting the attention of law enforcement agencies. The STF is now scrutinising his local contacts and checking whether others assisted him.
Pakistan Connection Being Verified
Some media reports have suggested that Mondal may have been in touch with Pakistan-based handlers and may have received training there. Police, however, have not officially confirmed these claims and said all such aspects are being verified through forensic examination of the seized digital evidence.
Separate Explosives Haul Raises Security Concerns
The arrest comes days after a massive cache of explosives was recovered from an abandoned house in neighbouring Birbhum district. Police seized over 800 kg of ammonium nitrate, 1,200 gelatin sticks, 105 detonators, and 36 detonating fuse coils during the operation.
Officials clarified that the explosives seizure is being investigated separately, and no direct link between that case and Mondal’s arrest has been established so far.
The Bengal STF continues to probe the suspected JeM operative’s network, digital footprint and alleged terror links to determine whether the surveillance of the Chief Minister formed part of a broader conspiracy.
