Interrogation of arrested suspects Hamim Mondal and his associate Arpita Sarkar has yielded several crucial leads regarding their alleged links to the Pakistan-based militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the West Bengal police’s Special Task Force (STF) said.
According to investigators, the duo may have been part of an organised attempt to build a “radicalisation network” aimed at influencing the youth in West Bengal. Sleuths said that intensive questioning is underway to uncover the extent of the network and identify additional operatives.
Sources in the investigating agencies said that another suspect, Aditya Singh, was allegedly receiving specific instructions from handlers based in Pakistan. The purported objective was to target the “Gen-Z” demographic by establishing online contact with college students across the state, particularly young women in Kolkata and nearby regions. Investigators allege that the strategy involved spreading anti-India narratives, criticising the central government, and gradually attempting to steer a section of the youth towards extremist ideologies.
Agencies further claim that funds were routed to Aditya from Pakistan through the hawala network. Preliminary findings suggest that the money was transferred through multiple bank accounts at different levels to obscure its origin. Officials from the NIA and STF are now examining the financial trail to determine how the funds were used and to identify others who may be part of the network.
Investigators also indicated that the interrogation of Hamim and Arpita has led to the identification of several additional suspects, though their identities have not yet been disclosed in order to protect the ongoing investigation. Efforts are currently focused on mapping the network’s reach, funding channels, and the scale of its suspected recruitment activities.
The STF claims to have uncovered evidence of close links between JeM and Hamim, who was arrested from a housing complex in East Bardhaman. Officials said the recovery of digital devices and documents from the accused is currently undergoing forensic analysis.
Following Hamim’s arrest, investigators examined his mobile phone, WhatsApp chats, and other digital data, which led them to Arpita. She was subsequently arrested in Sahibganj in Jharkhand. According to officials, preliminary findings suggest possible links between the accused and the ISI, though further verification is underway.
The investigation remains ongoing, with central and state agencies working jointly to uncover the full scope of the alleged network.
By Pranab Mondal
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