JeM Suspect Planned to Target West Bengal CM, Infiltrate Delhi Protest: STF

Mangalore Today News Network

Kolkata, August 2, 2026: A suspected operative linked to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) was arrested in West Bengal for allegedly plotting to target the state’s Chief Minister and infiltrate a recent protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the Special Task Force (STF) said.

The accused, Hamim Mondal, was arrested from Purba Bardhaman district. STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma said Mondal’s Pakistan-based handlers had instructed him to enter the Jantar Mantar protest disguised as a police officer and create unrest.

According to the STF, Mondal was also assigned to monitor the movements of the Chief Minister and gather information on locations where security arrangements were weak.

Investigators said interrogation of the accused revealed links to several Pakistan-based handlers and operatives associated with JeM. A court has remanded Mondal to 14 days of STF custody.

The STF also arrested Mondal’s associate, Arpita Sarkar, from Jharkhand. Police alleged the duo was plotting to honeytrap and kidnap the son of a state minister to extort money, acting on instructions from Pakistani handlers linked to the Shahzad Bhatti gang.

Sarkar allegedly used honeytrap tactics to collect sensitive information from several prominent individuals, including politicians, and shared it with Mondal. Investigators said her WhatsApp conversations indicated links with Pakistan.

The STF recovered international SIM cards issued in the UK and Mexico, which were allegedly used for encrypted communication with handlers and sleeper cells. Officials also found evidence suggesting Mondal was radicalised through social media before coming into contact with Pakistan-based operatives.

The handlers, identified by aliases including Rana, Uzair, Abid Jatt 333, and Hamad, are suspected members of the Shahzad Bhatti network, which is believed to be involved in radicalisation, terror recruitment, and narco-terror activities.

The STF said the investigation is continuing to uncover the full extent of the network, identify other operatives, and establish its cross-border links. Officials declined to reveal further details, citing the sensitive nature of the probe.