West Bengal terror suspect planned to infiltrate Jantar Mantar protest, target Suvendu Adhikari: STF
During questioning, investigators reportedly uncovered links between Mondal and several alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed handlers operating in West Bengal.
PTC News Desk: A suspected terrorist arrested in West Bengal had allegedly planned to infiltrate the recent CJP protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and was also assigned to monitor the movements of Suvendu Adhikari, according to the state's Special Task Force (STF).
The accused, Hamim Mondal, who is alleged to have links with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, was arrested from Purba Bardhaman district two days ago.
STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma said Mondal's handlers in Pakistan had instructed him to enter the student protest at Jantar Mantar while dressed as a police officer and create unrest.
According to the STF, Mondal was also allegedly tasked with keeping watch on Suvendu Adhikari's movements. During questioning, investigators reportedly uncovered links between Mondal and several alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed handlers operating in West Bengal.
A court has remanded Mondal to 14 days of STF custody for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Mondal's girlfriend, Arpita Sarkar, was arrested from Jharkhand on Friday. Police alleged that the two were plotting to honeytrap and kidnap the son of state minister Umesh Ray and extort money from the family.
Officials claimed the conspiracy was carried out under instructions from Pakistani handlers linked to the Shahzad Bhatti gang.
Police further alleged that Sarkar had honey-trapped several prominent people, including politicians, to collect sensitive information, which she then shared with Mondal. Investigators also said her WhatsApp chats revealed alleged links with contacts in Pakistan.