The investigation into a suspected terror module in West Bengal intensified on Friday night with the arrest of Arpita Sarkar, a close associate of alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative Hamim Mondal. The arrest, carried out by the State Police’s Special Task Force (STF) in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, marks the second major breakthrough in the case. Hamim was apprehended on Friday from a high-end rented apartment in East Burdwan district. Acting on leads recovered from his mobile phone and corroborated through tower location analysis, STF officials tracked and detained Arpita late Friday night.
According to sources, preliminary evidence suggests that Arpita maintained communication channels with Pakistani militant handlers, allegedly including operatives associated with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Investigators revealed that communication was conducted via encrypted social media platforms.
Authorities suspect that Arpita had been assigned tasks involving the abduction of high-profile individuals through so-called “honey-trapping” tactics. However, officials clarified that it remains unclear whether any such operations were successfully executed. The STF has intensified its probe to verify these claims and uncover potential targets.
Investigators further revealed that both Hamim and Arpita allegedly received instructions from Pakistan through audio messages and mobile applications. The duo is believed to have conducted reconnaissance of multiple locations and passed on sensitive information about prominent individuals.
Arpita is scheduled to be produced in court later today. Officials indicated that more individuals may be involved in the network, many of whom are suspected to have gone into hiding following the recent arrests. A wider crackdown is now underway to track down these accomplices.
Meanwhile, anti-terror agencies across multiple states—including Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Noida—have already detained several individuals, pointing to a broader inter-state network.
The case took a more serious turn following revelations about Hamim’s alleged activities in Kolkata’s New Town area, where he had reportedly stayed prior to moving to Burdwan. Investigators noted with concern that the residence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari lies in close proximity to the area where Hamim had been operating.
STF sources indicated that Hamim had conducted repeated reconnaissance along routes frequently used by the Chief Minister. He allegedly had access to sensitive logistical details, including vehicle numbers, driver information, and travel timings.
Addressing the issue at Nabanna, the state secretariat, Adhikari confirmed that he, along with other high-profile individuals including State Minister Umesh Rai, had been potential targets. She declined to disclose further specifics, citing national security concerns.
Digital forensic analysis of seized devices has revealed that Hamim was in regular encrypted contact with senior JeM handlers based in Kashmir. Investigators are now probing possible international linkages, including the use of forged identity documents and connections beyond India.
Officials confirmed that all seized electronic devices and documents have been sent for detailed forensic examination. The STF believes that Arpita’s arrest could be key to uncovering critical links within the network, particularly regarding the alleged honey-trap operations.
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