Kolkata, 04 August (H.S.) : Investigators probing the alleged terror links of arrested suspect Hamim Mondal have uncovered fresh evidence suggesting that he conducted surveillance around the residence and movement routes of West Bengal Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari. According to sources in the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF), Hamim initially denied the allegations but later admitted during interrogation that he had carried out reconnaissance near Adhikari's Chinar Park residence on multiple occasions.

Investigators said an analysis of Hamim's mobile tower location data confirmed his repeated presence in the vicinity of Adhikari's residence. The digital evidence allegedly matched the findings of the investigation, prompting further questioning. STF sources claimed that Hamim eventually acknowledged visiting the area several times and surveying routes frequently used by the BJP leader.

The STF has so far arrested Hamim Mondal, his alleged associate Arpita Sarkar, and Aditya Singh alias Raj in connection with the case. Investigators allege that the trio maintained regular contact with Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and a network linked to alleged Pakistani gangster Shehzad Bhatti.

According to investigators, the group was allegedly planning acts of terror and sabotage in West Bengal, with Suvendu Adhikari believed to be one of the intended targets. The STF has also alleged that Arpita Sarkar was used in a honey trap operation to establish relationships with politicians and government officials in an attempt to obtain sensitive information.

Following these developments, security around Suvendu Adhikari has been further strengthened.

Investigators suspect that the alleged objective of the network linked to Shehzad Bhatti was to create large-scale unrest in the state through targeted attacks and acts of sabotage. Intelligence agencies are also examining the possibility that the network may have attempted to establish parallel operatives in West Bengal beyond those already arrested.

The investigation is continuing, and officials said further arrests or disclosures cannot be ruled out as digital evidence and interrogation findings are analysed.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh