The West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) on Saturday arrested a woman allegedly linked to suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative Hamim Mondal, in what investigators describe as a widening probe into a suspected terror-linked espionage network.
The accused, identified as Arpita Sarkar, was arrested from Sahebganj district in Jharkhand and brought to Bardhaman, where she is expected to be produced before a court.
The arrest comes two days after the STF apprehended Hamim Mondal from a gym in Bardhaman on Thursday night. Police said Mondal had been living in an upscale apartment complex in the city before his arrest.
'She Was Actively Linked with Hamim'
According to investigators, Sarkar's role emerged after officials analysed Hamim Mondal's communications with several individuals. "After going through communications between Hamim and others, we identified the woman. She was actively linked with Hamim," a senior West Bengal Police officer said.
Officials said the investigation is now focused on uncovering the nature of their association and whether the duo was part of a broader intelligence-gathering network.
Probe Examines Alleged 'Honey Trap' Angle
Police sources claimed that Sarkar was allegedly used to honey-trap individuals to obtain sensitive information, while Mondal was tasked with gathering intelligence on West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, members of his cabinet and the movement of his official convoy.
Investigators also alleged that Mondal and Sarkar communicated through a specialised encrypted application, and claimed that Mondal was receiving instructions from a Pakistan-based handler.
The STF is examining digital devices, communication records and financial transactions to determine the extent of the alleged network.
CM Calls It a 'Sensitive Issue'
Reacting to Mondal's arrest on Friday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described the matter as highly sensitive and said investigators were looking into possible international links.
"It's a sensitive issue. The Special Task Force and senior police officers are handling the case. He may have international connections; the police are investigating," the Chief Minister said.
A Bardhaman court on Friday remanded Hamim Mondal to 14 days of police custody, following which he was taken to Kolkata for sustained interrogation by STF officers. Investigators are questioning him over his alleged contacts, digital communications and suspected links with Pakistan-based operatives.
Police sources said Mondal had lived in several locations before settling in Bardhaman. According to investigators, he previously stayed in a rented apartment in New Town, Kolkata, and had also lived in Pilkhana, Howrah.
Officials said the preliminary investigation indicates that Mondal was allegedly monitoring the Chief Minister's movements and collecting information about the routes used by his convoy. The STF believes the latest arrest could help uncover the full extent of the suspected network. Investigators have not ruled out further arrests as they continue to examine digital evidence, encrypted communications and possible links to cross-border handlers.
