Jharkhand woman arrested in alleged honey-trap network linked to suspected Jaish-e Module

Mangalore Today News Network

Kolkata, Aug 1, 2026: A day after a suspected operative of the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was arrested from Bardhaman in West Bengal, the state’s Special Task Force (STF) arrested a woman from neighbouring Jharkhand for her alleged involvement in a honey-trap network linked to the suspected module, officials said on Saturday.

The accused, identified as Arpita Sarkar, was arrested on Friday from the Barharwa area of Sahibganj district in Jharkhand. According to investigators, she was in regular contact with the arrested suspect, Mohammad Hamim Mondal, through WhatsApp. Officials said chat records exchanged between the two have been recovered and are being examined.

Mondal was arrested on Thursday from his rented apartment in a housing complex in Bardhaman town. He is suspected to be part of an alleged ISI-backed network tasked with gathering intelligence on VIPs, including BJP leaders, recruiting operatives, and laying the groundwork for possible terror activities in West Bengal.

Investigators believe Mondal allegedly used Sarkar to establish contacts with influential political leaders and gather their personal information.

According to STF officials, Sarkar is suspected to have played a significant role in a honey-trap operation designed to lure targeted individuals and obtain sensitive information. Authorities are currently analysing digital evidence to determine the extent of her involvement.

Police are also investigating whether the information allegedly collected through the network was intended to facilitate future terror attacks.

Sarkar has been brought to Purba Bardhaman and is expected to be produced before a court later on Saturday.

Officials said Mondal’s ancestral home is in Dirghanagar village under the Monteswar police station limits in Purba Bardhaman district, while his father has been residing in Pilkhana, Howrah, since 1998 for work. Mondal and his family had recently moved into the rented apartment in Bardhaman from where he was arrested.