West Bengal's Special Task Force has arrested three individuals, including a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative, for allegedly conducting reconnaissance of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's residence. The investigation, which is currently ongoing, points to a coordinated effort by Pakistan-based handlers to track the Chief Minister's security and movements.
West Bengal's Special Task Force (STF) has apprehended three individuals following the discovery of a suspected terror module aimed at monitoring the movements and residence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The primary suspect, Hamim Mondal, was taken into custody in Purba Bardhaman last week. Authorities believe the group was operating under the guidance of handlers based in Pakistan, with plans to gather intelligence on the Chief Minister's security detail and public engagement schedules.
The arrest follows an extensive investigation into mobile tower location data and digital trails that linked Mondal to multiple reconnaissance missions at the Chief Minister's Chinar Park home and various public events. While the suspects reportedly denied these activities during initial questioning, STF officials have used technical evidence to confirm their presence at the targeted locations. Investigators are also looking into reports that the suspects explored logistical options, including the potential for renting property near the residence to continue their surveillance activities more effectively.
Two other individuals, Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Singh, have also been detained in connection with the ongoing investigation. The STF is actively probing allegations that these associates were involved in a wider conspiracy, including claims of a planned operation to build relationships with influential political figures and senior officials to access confidential information. Authorities are examining financial transactions, digital communications, and records to map out the extent of the network's cross-border linkages and their connections to a larger syndicate allegedly managed by Pakistan-based figures.
This incident has prompted an immediate review and tightening of security protocols around the Chief Minister. The STF continues to work alongside national investigative agencies to determine if other sleeper cells or local facilitators are operating within the state. The investigation remains at a sensitive and active stage, with authorities scrutinizing CCTV footage and communication data to uncover the full scope of the alleged activities aimed at disrupting regional stability. The next critical steps for authorities will involve analyzing the recovered digital evidence to trace the full chain of command behind this surveillance operation.