Bengal STF Arrests Suspected JeM Operative Hamid Mondal Over Alleged Plot Targeting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari

A suspected operative linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit was arrested by the Bengal Special Task Force (STF) from Renaissance Housing in Burdwan on Thursday.

The accused has been identified as Hamid Mondal, who investigators claim had been living in West Bengal for several years and is allegedly associated with the Hamil Sajjad Bhat group, which is believed to have links to JeM.

According to sources, Hamid Mondal is originally from Monteshwar in Purba Bardhaman. He had reportedly lived for several years in a rented accommodation in Pilkhana, Howrah, before shifting to Renaissance Housing in Burdwan after the Assembly election results.

The flat where the suspected terrorist had been living as a tenant before the STF raid.

STF arrests suspected JeM operative

According to sources, investigators recovered documents allegedly containing details related to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s movements, including his schedule, VIP movement plans, vehicle details, driver information, and parking arrangements.

Probe focuses on alleged attack plot

Sources also claimed that investigators have recovered additional sensitive material during the operation, but have yet to disclose its contents as the probe is ongoing.

The arrest has triggered security concerns as the alleged module is suspected of having links with international terror networks. STF and Burdwan Police jointly carried out the operation and are investigating whether the accused had local support or was part of a larger network.

Terror links under detailed investigation

Reacting to the arrest, BJP MLA and former NSG commando Dipanjan Chakraborty claimed that the state police’s functioning had improved after the change in government and alleged that such terror operatives had received overground support. He said dismantling these support networks would be crucial, similar to efforts undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir.

The investigation has also revealed that Hamid was allegedly in contact with operatives of Pakistan-based terror organisations through social media. Officials believe he had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir to meet handlers associated with these groups.