A woman identified as Arpita Sarkar, alleged to be the girlfriend of Hamim Mondal, who was arrested on suspicion of having terror links, has now been arrested by the West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force (STF) from Sahibganj in Jharkhand.
Woman held during Jharkhand late-night raid
According to STF sources, Arpita was in close contact with Hamim and was allegedly used in honey-trap operations to lure and abduct targets. Investigators claim the duo was part of an organised network involved in gathering sensitive information.
Honey-trap network under STF investigation
Hamim was arrested on Friday at Renaissance Complex, a residential complex near the Durgapur Expressway in Burdwan. During preliminary investigation, the STF claimed to have found evidence of his alleged links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Based on his interrogation, investigators identified Arpita’s role and launched a raid in Jharkhand, leading to her arrest. She was brought to Burdwan and is expected to be produced before a court on Saturday.
Electronic devices under detailed forensic examination
STF officials allege that Arpita was primarily used as a “honey trap” to target senior government officials, influential personalities, and political leaders. She allegedly cultivated close relationships with them to obtain sensitive and personal information, which was then passed on to Hamim. Investigators say Hamim disclosed these details during questioning, and Arpita’s interrogation is expected to verify those claims.
Investigators probe alleged ISI-backed conspiracy
Hamim has been remanded to 14 days of STF custody. Investigators are examining his mobile phone, laptop, and other electronic devices. The STF claims that Hamim, a resident of Kusumgram in Purba Bardhaman, worked at a garment factory in Howrah’s Pilkhana area while allegedly carrying out covert activities.
He frequently visited New Town, Kolkata, and investigators claim he conducted reconnaissance of routes used by Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari.
Questioning may reveal larger terror network
Authorities are also probing allegations that he was tasked with collecting information on BJP and RSS leaders in West Bengal as part of an alleged ISI-backed network.
The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations made by the STF are yet to be tested in court. No conviction has been secured against the accused at this stage.
