The West Bengal Special Task Force has arrested a key accomplice in a terror plot aimed at creating chaos at Delhi's Jantar Mantar using police uniforms and social media coordination.

Key Takeaways

  • West Bengal STF arrested Arpita Sarkar, girlfriend of suspected terrorist Hamim Mondal, from Jharkhand.
  • The plot involved purchasing police uniforms to incite chaos at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
  • Instructions were reportedly received from Pakistan-based handlers via encrypted apps.
  • The suspects are linked to a honey-trap network targeting influential politicians.

KOLKATA/BURDWAN: In a major breakthrough, the West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) on Saturday arrested Arpita Sarkar from Sahibganj, Jharkhand. Sarkar is the alleged girlfriend of suspected terrorist Hamim Mondal, who is accused of plotting to foment large-scale disturbance at Delhi's Jantar Mantar during recent protest activities.

STF IG Gaurav Sharma revealed that Mondal was operating under direct instructions from individuals using Pakistani social media handles and encrypted messaging applications. The chilling details of the plot suggest that Mondal was instructed to procure police uniforms and lead a group of men and women to Jantar Mantar to create tactical disturbances. Investigators are currently verifying if the group had successfully mobilized for travel to the national capital.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this case highlights the evolving nature of hybrid warfare, where digital platforms are weaponized to destabilize domestic peace. The use of international SIM cards from Britain and Mexico, combined with encrypted apps like Telegram and Session, demonstrates a sophisticated attempt to bypass traditional intelligence surveillance.

The intersection of digital honey-traps and cross-border terror modules presents a critical challenge to modern national security frameworks.

The investigation has further uncovered that Arpita Sarkar was allegedly involved in a honey-trap network designed to target high-profile individuals, including politicians and senior officials. Digital evidence from Instagram chats suggests she assisted Mondal in gathering personal details of influential figures. The STF has identified several Pakistani-linked handles, including 'Abir Jat333' and 'Uzair', believed to be part of the Shahzad Bhatti gang.

Historical Background

Terrorist modules operating from across the border have historically used 'sleeper cells' and social media radicalization to recruit local operatives. The shift from physical recruitment to digital brainwashing via encrypted platforms has become a hallmark of contemporary extremist tactics in the region.

Did You Know?: Terrorist handlers often use virtual numbers and SIM cards from distant countries like Mexico to mask their true geographic location during communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What was the specific objective of the Jantar Mantar plot?
The goal was to use men and women in police uniforms to blend into crowds and create chaos during public protests.

2. How were the terrorists communicating?
They utilized highly encrypted platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Element X, and Session to evade detection.