West Bengal's STF has arrested a man and a woman linked to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. Investigations reveal they were tracking the movements of CM Suvendu Adhikari.

  • Two suspects arrested from Purba Bardhaman for links to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
  • Accused gathered intelligence on CM Suvendu Adhikari's movements.
  • Recruited via social media by gangster Shahzad Bhatti and associate Azmal Gujjar.
  • Funding linked to narcotics and arms smuggling backed by Pakistan's ISI.

In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police arrested a man and a woman from the Purba Bardhaman district. The suspects, identified as Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar, are alleged to have links with the Pakistan-based terror organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The arrests took place on Friday, July 31, 2026, at a rented accommodation in Bardhaman town. Inspector-General of the STF, Gaurav Sharma, confirmed that the duo had been communicating with the terror outfit for over a year through various social media platforms. Several electronic devices and incriminating documents were seized during the raid.

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Threat to the Chief Minister

Digital forensics on the seized devices revealed a chilling detail: the operatives had been gathering intelligence on the movements of Suvendu Adhikari, the current Chief Minister and former Leader of the Opposition, in Bardhaman last year. Investigators are now analyzing whether this was a precursor to a targeted assassination attempt or a wider surveillance operation targeting the RSS and BJP.

"This is not just about my security. It is a matter of national security. There are international links." - Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Minister.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the shift toward social media recruitment signifies a tactical evolution in terror operations. By bypassing traditional physical cells, handlers like Shahzad Bhatti can radicalize and deploy 'lone-wolf' style operatives for intelligence gathering without leaving a significant physical trail, making detection extremely difficult for security agencies.

The investigation points toward a sophisticated network operated by gangster Shahzad Bhatti and Azmal Gujjar. Security agencies believe that this network facilitates the cross-border smuggling of arms and narcotics. The proceeds from these illicit trades are allegedly funneled back into terror activities within India, with direct strategic backing from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Did You Know?: Jaish-e-Mohammed is designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations and is notorious for several high-profile attacks in the Kashmir valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who were the primary targets of the suspects' surveillance?
A: The primary target was Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, though the suspects were also gathering information on the RSS and BJP.

Q2: How did the suspects connect with the terror module?
A: They were recruited and coordinated through social media by handlers linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed network.