JeM suspect plotted to target Bengal CM, infiltrate Delhi protest in police uniform: STF

A suspected operative of the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), arrested in West Bengal, had allegedly planned to target Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and infiltrate the recent student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar while posing as a police officer, according to the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF).

Mohammed Hamim Mondal was arrested from Purba Bardhaman district on Friday and later brought to Kolkata for questioning. STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma said investigators found evidence linking Mondal to Pakistan-based handlers who allegedly directed his activities.

According to the STF, Mondal had been instructed to monitor the chief minister’s movements and identify locations where his security could be vulnerable.

Officials also alleged that Mondal intended to enter the student protests at Jantar Mantar by obtaining a police uniform, with the objective of carrying out sabotage during the demonstrations.

Preliminary investigations indicate that several police officers and political leaders, in addition to the chief minister, were allegedly on the radar of the terror module.

Honeytrap and kidnapping plot under investigation

The probe has also uncovered an alleged honeytrap conspiracy. On Friday, the STF arrested Arpita Sarkar, described as Mondal’s associate, over accusations that the two planned to lure the son of a West Bengal minister of state into a honeytrap before abducting and extorting money from his family.

According to investigators, the alleged plot was orchestrated under instructions from Pakistan-based handlers linked to the Shahzad Bhatti gang.

Officials claimed the accused intended to cultivate relationships with influential individuals to gather sensitive information for their overseas handlers.

International links and encrypted communication

During searches, investigators recovered international SIM cards issued in the United Kingdom and Mexico, which they believe were used for encrypted communication with foreign handlers and to help strengthen sleeper cells and terror networks across India.

The STF said Mondal was allegedly radicalised through social media before establishing contact with Pakistan-based operatives. Investigators claim he communicated with handlers through encrypted platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Element X and Session after initially connecting with them on Instagram.

The alleged handlers were identified by the aliases “Rana”, “Uzair”, “Abid Jatt 333” and “Hamad”, whom the STF believes are linked to the Shahzad Bhatti network, accused of radicalisation, narco-terror activities and recruiting youths for extremist operations.

Officials said the investigation into the module began after intelligence inputs pointed to a conspiracy involving the alleged honeytrap, kidnapping and extortion plot targeting the minister’s family.