The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police arrested a third individual in connection with an alleged honey-trap and militant-linked espionage network, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The accused, Aditya Singh, was apprehended early Monday morning from the Belilious Road area in Howrah.
The arrest follows the earlier arrest of alleged Jaish-e-Mohammad operative Hamim Mondal and his aide Arpita Sarkar. Investigators say Aditya’s name surfaced during their interrogation.
According to STF sources, Aditya is suspected to have played a key operational role in the network. He allegedly photographed the Minister of State for Municipal Affairs, Umesh Rai, and transmitted the images to Hamim. Officials further claim that he was tasked with executing a plan to entrap the minister’s son using a honey-trap scheme.
Aditya will produced before the Bardhaman Court later on Monday, where the police will seek custody for further interrogation.
Preliminary findings suggest that Aditya was in regular contact with Hamim and may have links to individuals associated with the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti group. Investigators believe he was involved in gathering sensitive information, photographing multiple VVIPs, and facilitating so-called “contract” assignments.
The arrest was carried out after a period of sustained surveillance based on intelligence gathered during earlier interrogations. Sleuths hope that questioning Aditya will help uncover the network’s modus operandi, identify additional operatives, and reveal the extent of its operations.
Cases have already been registered against Hamim and Arpita under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Both are currently being interrogated by the STF and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Investigative agencies are focusing on multiple aspects of the case, including funding sources, communication channels, and possible cross-border links. Digital evidence recovered from mobile phones and online chats is being analysed, with officials indicating that new leads are emerging.
Sources also revealed that conversations between Hamim and Arpita hinted at possible arms supply links, though these claims are yet to be independently verified.
A particularly concerning angle under investigation is the alleged plan to establish a female-led honey-trap network in West Bengal. Investigators suspect that aspiring models and young women with strong social media presence were to be recruited to target influential individuals, including ministers and their family members.
Meanwhile, the STF has identified a shop owned by Hamim on Pilkhana Road in Howrah. Local residents reported limited knowledge about the nature of activities conducted there. Officials suspect the establishment may have been used as a front to build a local base while avoiding suspicion.
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