Kolkata, 01 August(H.S.). The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police on Saturday made a series of startling revelations in connection with the arrest of suspected terror operative Hamim Mondal from Purba Bardhaman. Addressing a press conference, STF Inspector General (IG) Gaurav Sharma claimed that Hamim had planned to carry out a terror attack at Delhi's Jantar Mantar while dressed in a police uniform. He further alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was also among the intended targets.

According to the STF, the 24-year-old Hamim Mondal was arrested on Friday from Purba Bardhaman and brought to Kolkata the same night for interrogation. Investigators examined his mobile phone, electronic devices and social media communications, which reportedly yielded crucial evidence.

The STF claimed that Hamim was in contact with several Pakistan-based handlers allegedly linked to the Shahjahad Bhatti gang, a network accused of involvement in narco-terror activities. The agency said the accused maintained communication through encrypted platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram.

Investigators further alleged that Hamim had been monitoring the movements of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and that he was identified as a potential target. The STF also claimed that the accused had planned to exploit the recent student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar by disguising himself in a police uniform to execute the conspiracy. According to investigators, a minister from Howrah, Umesh Ray, was also among the alleged targets.

The STF said its investigation revealed Hamim's alleged links with handlers using code names such as Rana, Abir, Habib and 333. The agency alleged that the network was involved in radicalising youth, arms trafficking, planning acts of sabotage and using honey trap operations to compromise influential individuals.

In connection with the case, Arpita Sarkar was arrested from Sahibganj in Jharkhand on Saturday morning. According to the STF, Hamim and Arpita had been in contact for the past four years after first connecting on Instagram. Investigators are examining whether Arpita was used in the alleged honey-trap operations.

IG Gaurav Sharma said the investigation is continuing and further arrests are expected. He added that the claims are based on material collected during the ongoing probe, which is still underway.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh