Suspected JeM Operative Arrested in Bengal; Probe Underway Into Alleged Surveillance of BJP, RSS Leaders

Burdwan (West Bengal), Jul 31: The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police has arrested a suspected operative of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) from Purba Bardhaman district, with investigators probing his alleged links to an ISI-backed network and possible surveillance of BJP and RSS leaders. The accused, identified as Hamim Mondal, was arrested late Thursday night from his rented accommodation at the Renaissance Complex in Burdwan town. He is a native of Kusumgram in Purba Bardhaman district. According to police sources, electronic devices, including a mobile phone seized during the operation, are being examined to trace his communications, movements and alleged links with terrorist handlers. Investigators suspect Mondal came into contact with a JeM-linked module, allegedly operated by gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Azmal Gujjar, through social media nearly a year ago. Security agencies believe the network has been involved in cross-border narcotics and arms smuggling, with proceeds allegedly used to finance terror activities in India under the backing of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). SouthAsians & Diaspora Police said Mondal left his job at a garment unit in Howrah before the Assembly elections and shifted to Burdwan, where he rented an apartment. Investigators are also verifying whether he had earlier stayed in New Town on the outskirts of Kolkata. Sources claimed material recovered during the investigation suggests Mondal may have conducted reconnaissance related to the movements of Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, prompting investigators to examine whether there was any plan to target him. Describing the matter as “extremely sensitive”, Adhikari said the case involved issues of national security and that the STF was analysing the data recovered from the accused’s electronic devices. Investigators are also probing whether Mondal was part of a wider network tasked with gathering information on BJP and RSS functionaries in West Bengal. Mobile tower location data and digital evidence are being examined to establish his contacts and activities. Police sources further said Mondal is suspected to have links with Sajjad Bhat, one of the alleged masterminds of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, though the claim is under investigation. The STF is also examining whether the accused had any connection with recent extortion and kidnapping threats allegedly received by BJP leader and state minister Umesh Rai. Mondal was produced before a court in Burdwan on Friday, where the STF sought his custody for further interrogation to uncover the alleged terror network and determine the full extent of his activities.