West Bengal STF arrests JeM-linked module targeting Indian politicians and protests
In late July and early August 2026, West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force arrested three suspects—Hamim Mondal, Arpita Sarkar, and Aditya Singh—linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Shehzad Bhatti gang. The module allegedly surveilled Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and other VIPs, planned to infiltrate student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi using police uniforms, and used a honey-trap network. The National Investigation Agency joined the probe, uncovering cross-border financing and encrypted communications.
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Third suspect arrested in JeM-linked terror module in West Bengal
The West Bengal Police's Special Task Force (STF) arrested a third suspect, Aditya Singh (also known as Raju and Raj), in Howrah district on August 3, 2026, in connection with a Pakistan-backed terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative Hamim Mondal. Singh's two associates, Mondal and Arpita Sarkar, were arrested on July 31. The network was conducting surveillance on high-profile targets, including West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, other state ministers, and top police officials. Mondal also planned to obtain police uniforms to infiltrate student protests in Delhi. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the investigation to probe cross-border communications and financial transactions. Police recovered documents, gadgets, and financial transaction details, and seized bank accounts linked to the suspects. The STF believes the arrested individuals may be part of a larger racket.
Two suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives arrested in West Bengal
The Special Task Force of West Bengal Police arrested Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar from Purba Bardhaman district on July 31, 2026, for suspected links to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Police seized electronic devices and documents revealing the duo had gathered inputs on the movements of then Leader of the Opposition and now Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Bardhaman last year. Investigators are examining whether there was a plan to target him. The suspects are believed to have been in contact with a JeM module operated by gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Azmal Gujjar via social media for over a year. Security agencies suspect Bhatti's network is involved in cross-border narcotics and arms smuggling, with proceeds financing terror activities in India with alleged backing from Pakistan's ISI. Chief Minister Adhikari described the case as a matter of national security with international links.
Third suspect arrested in JeM-linked terror module in West Bengal
The West Bengal Police's Special Task Force (STF) arrested a third suspect, Aditya Singh (also known as Raju and Raj), in Howrah district on August 3, 2026, in connection with a Pakistan-backed terror module linked to suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative Hamim Mondal. The network was conducting surveillance on high-profile targets including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, other state ministers, and top police officials. Mondal had plans to obtain police uniforms to infiltrate student protests in Delhi. Two other suspects, Mondal and Arpita Sarkar, were arrested on July 31. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the investigation to probe cross-border communications and financial transactions. Sarkar was allegedly used in a honey-trap attempt against a state minister's son. Police have recovered documents, gadgets, and seized bank accounts linked to the suspects.
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West Bengal STF says arrested terror suspect planned to infiltrate Cockroach Janta Party protest in Delhi
The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) announced on August 1, 2026, that Hamim Mondal, a terror suspect arrested on July 31, had planned subversive actions during protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi. STF Inspector-General Gaurav Sharma stated that Pakistani outfits instructed Mondal to obtain a police uniform and infiltrate student protests at Jantar Mantar to incite violence. Mondal was also tasked with studying Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's movements to identify security vulnerabilities. He is suspected of links with the Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti gang and other terror organizations. His associate, Arpita Sarkar, was arrested in Jharkhand and transferred to Kolkata. Police are analyzing recovered gadgets, documents, bank transactions, and encrypted messages. Minister Shankar Ghosh condemned West Bengal as a 'haven of terrorism' and vowed a crackdown.
Suspected JeM Operative Arrest Leads Bengal STF to Jharkhand Woman Collecting Info on Politicians
The West Bengal Police's Special Task Force (STF) arrested Arpita Sarkar, a woman from Jharkhand's Sahibganj district, in connection with the investigation into suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative Mohammad Hamim Mondal. Mondal was arrested from Bardhaman town on July 30, 2026, and is suspected to be part of an ISI-backed network tasked with gathering intelligence on VIPs, including BJP leaders, and planning potential terror activities. According to police, Mondal used Sarkar to establish contacts with influential political leaders in West Bengal and collect personal information about them. Sarkar allegedly played a key role in a 'honey-trap' network to lure targets. Digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats between the two, has been recovered. Authorities are investigating whether the collected information was intended for planning attacks. Sarkar was produced before a court in Purba Bardhaman on August 1, 2026.
Suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed Operative Arrested in Bengal, Planned to Target Suvendu Adhikari and Disrupt Jantar Mantar Protest
The Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal police arrested a suspected operative of the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Bengal. According to the STF, the operative was planning to target Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari and sabotage a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The arrest was made based on intelligence inputs, and the suspect is being interrogated to uncover further details of the planned attacks and any potential network links. The development highlights ongoing security concerns related to militant activities and political targeting in India.
Two suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives held in West Bengal
The Special Task Force of West Bengal Police arrested Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar from Purba Bardhaman district on July 31, 2026, for suspected links to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Police seized electronic devices and documents revealing the suspects had gathered intelligence on the movements of then Leader of the Opposition and current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Bardhaman last year. Investigators are examining whether there was a plot to target him. The suspects allegedly came into contact with a JeM module operated by gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Azmal Gujjar through social media about a year ago. Security agencies believe Bhatti's network is involved in cross-border narcotics and arms smuggling, with proceeds financing terror activities in India with alleged backing from Pakistan's ISI. Chief Minister Adhikari described the case as extremely sensitive and a matter of national security with international links.