Kolkata, 03 August (H.S.): The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police on Monday arrested another suspect in connection with its investigation into alleged terror-linked activities. The accused, identified as Aditya Singh alias Raj, is a resident of Belilious Road in Howrah and a second-year student of Umesh Chandra College.

According to sources, the STF detained Aditya on Sunday night for questioning and formally arrested him on Monday morning. He is scheduled to be produced before a court in Burdwan later in the day.

The arrest comes as part of the ongoing investigation into the case involving Hamim Mondal, who was arrested earlier from Burdwan. Investigators suspect that Aditya was in contact with Hamim, and his alleged role in the network is currently under scrutiny.

The investigation began after Pakistan-based caller Abid Jat allegedly issued death threats to West Bengal Minister of State for Urban Development Umesh Rai and threatened to kidnap his son. The caller also claimed to possess detailed information about the minister and his family. Following the complaint, the case was handed over to the STF.

During the course of the investigation, the STF arrested Hamim Mondal from Burdwan and later apprehended his alleged associate, Arpita Sarkar, from Sahibganj in Jharkhand. Investigators have alleged that both had links with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and were involved in a conspiracy to carry out terror-related activities in West Bengal.

The investigation has further alleged that Hamim had stayed in New Town for some time and conducted surveillance along routes frequently used by the Chief Minister, while attempting to gather information related to security arrangements. Arpita Sarkar is also accused of using alleged honey-trap tactics to obtain sensitive information from political leaders, ministers and senior government officials.

The STF is now investigating Aditya Singh's exact role in the alleged network, the nature and frequency of his contacts with Hamim Mondal, and whether he was involved in the exchange of any sensitive information. The investigation is continuing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh