Third arrest in Bengal Jaish-e-Mohammed module case as STF probes 'VIP surveillance plot'

The latest arrest comes days after the STF apprehended Hamim Mondal and his associate Arpita Sarkar. 

Investigators are now examining whether the accused were part of a larger network tasked with gathering intelligence on high-profile political figures and facilitating suspected terror activities in the state.

Third arrest after Hamim Mondal, Arpita Sarkar

According to police sources, the STF arrested college student Aditya Singh from his residence after questioning Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar during the ongoing investigation.

Investigators suspect that Singh was allegedly involved in collecting information on political personalities and passing it on through encrypted social media platforms.

Police sources claimed that Singh had been assigned to photograph the son of West Bengal minister Umesh Rai, along with the family's vehicle, residence and daily movements.

The photographs were allegedly shared with Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar through a secure messaging application.

The arrest marks the third in the case within four days, significantly expanding the scope of the investigation.

Minister claims he was also targeted

Reacting to the arrest, West Bengal minister Umesh Rai alleged that he too had been on the radar of the suspected module.

"Today another criminal in connection with the terror network has been arrested. Apart from the Chief Minister, I was also their target. Some people were assigned after me," Rai said.

"After Hamim and his girlfriend, today another boy named Aditya Singh, who is originally from Azamgarh but was residing in Howrah, was arrested. They were associated with an international terrorist organisation. Strong action needs to be taken," the minister added.

According to police sources, investigators suspect Singh supplied information about the minister to Hamim Mondal and may have been linked to an alleged conspiracy to kidnap Rai's son using a purported honey-trap operation.

Officials said these allegations remain under investigation.

Rai, who represents the Howrah Uttar Assembly constituency, had earlier claimed that he had received threat calls after assuming ministerial office.

Investigators examine wider terror network

The STF is also investigating Hamim Mondal's links to properties in Howrah, where his father is reportedly absconding.

Police sources said Hamim's father had rented accommodation in the Pilkhana Market area of Howrah, where Hamim is believed to have stayed before shifting elsewhere.

Investigators are trying to determine whether the premises were used as part of the alleged network's operations.

Officials are also examining whether the suspected module received financial support from overseas sources.

Earlier, the STF had arrested Arpita Sarkar from Jharkhand.

Investigators allege that she maintained regular contact with Hamim Mondal and may have played a role in establishing contacts and collecting information as part of the network's activities.

Police have also alleged that Hamim and his associates maintained communication with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), a claim that remains under investigation.

Authorities are probing allegations that the accused were planning subversive activities in West Bengal and had gathered information related to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's movements.

NIA joins investigation

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the investigation and is questioning Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar to determine the scale of the alleged militant network.

According to sources, a three-member NIA team interrogated both accused for nearly two hours.

Investigators are analysing two mobile phones recovered from the accused, which reportedly contain records of regular communication with multiple alleged handlers based in Pakistan.

Officials are also examining digital evidence pointing to cryptocurrency transactions that may have been used to finance the alleged activities.

During questioning, investigators reportedly sought information about suspected plans targeting several prominent political leaders and ministers at both the state and central levels.

The NIA is also investigating alleged cross-border weapons smuggling routes and methods that the accused may have discussed with their overseas contacts.

Probe continues

Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand said the city police officials were coordinating closely with the Bengal STF during the investigation.

"We are closely working with the Bengal STF. If any information comes from them regarding any suspected person, we will promptly act on that," Nand said.

Investigators are continuing to examine the accused's digital devices, financial transactions and communication records as they seek to identify additional members of the alleged network and establish the full extent of its activities.