Kolkata, 31 July (H.S.) : The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police has arrested a suspected operative of the banned terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) from a densely populated residential area in Burdwan town of Purba Bardhaman district.

The arrested individual has been identified as Hamid Mondal. However, investigators are also examining whether the name is genuine or an alias. He is scheduled to be produced before a Burdwan court on Friday.

According to STF officials, Hamid was apprehended from a rented apartment at Renaissance Complex near the Durgapur Expressway, where he had been staying for some time. Preliminary investigation has revealed that he had previously lived in a rented flat in New Town, Kolkata.

Investigators said the New Town residence was located not far from the apartment of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, prompting security agencies to closely examine the purpose of his stay and his activities in the area.

STF sources claimed that the suspect had allegedly been monitoring the Chief Minister's movements and had conducted reconnaissance of routes frequently used by him while travelling to and from his New Town residence. Technical evidence, including tower location analysis, allegedly indicates that the accused maintained regular contact with handlers linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Some intelligence inputs have also suggested that the arrested suspect could be a Pakistani national. However, police officials said his nationality has not yet been confirmed and that efforts are underway to verify his identity, citizenship and possible terror links.

The STF is also planning to question the owners of the flats rented by the suspect in both New Town and Burdwan to ascertain how long he had been staying there and whether anyone was aware of his activities.

The investigation is continuing, and officials said further details are expected to emerge after sustained interrogation of the accused.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh