A suspected terror recruit has been arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) from a residential housing complex in Burdwan, with investigators examining what they believe is a case of alleged online radicalisation through social media.
The accused, identified as Hamim Mondal, is suspected of maintaining links with the Sajjad Bhat group and allegedly acting as a local facilitator. Investigators believe he gathered information from West Bengal and shared it with contacts linked to the Kashmir-based module in an effort to establish his credibility within the network.
Investigators trace alleged radicalisation to social media
Mondal, a resident of Monteswar in Purba Bardhaman district, had studied BCom until his second year before leaving college. He later worked at a vest manufacturing unit in Howrah.
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As per reports, his alleged path towards radicalisation began on social media. Officials believe his Instagram activity brought him to the attention of terror recruiters, following which he allegedly came in contact with individuals linked to the Sajjad Bhat group.
Investigators suspect that online conversations gradually evolved into ideological indoctrination. They believe sustained communication eventually led to an initial stage of radicalisation before he allegedly received basic operational guidance. The probe also suggests that later interactions shifted to encrypted messaging platforms, where he was allegedly prepared for a more active role.
STF had been monitoring digital activity
Officials said the Bengal STF, along with the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC), had been tracking Mondal’s online activity for some time. Based on digital surveillance, investigators monitored his movements before arresting him from the Burdwan housing complex where he had been staying over the past few months.
During questioning, investigators found indications that Mondal was allegedly attempting to prove his usefulness to the Sajjad Bhat group by regularly sharing information from West Bengal.
The investigation has also revealed that Mondal allegedly tried to pass on details related to the movements of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to his suspected contacts. Authorities are now verifying whether the Chief Minister could have been a potential target. Officials stressed that these claims are still under verification and, at this stage, they do not believe Mondal was functioning as a sleeper-cell operative. His suspected role appears to have been limited to collecting and transmitting information.
WhatsApp chats reveal alleged kidnapping plot
Investigators are also examining WhatsApp chats recovered from Mondal’s mobile phone after uncovering an alleged kidnapping conspiracy.
According to STF, the chats suggest Mondal may have been planning to kidnap Minister Umesh Rai. Officials also suspect he had attempted to recruit two or three young men for the alleged plot. Authorities said Rai was unaware of the suspected conspiracy.
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Investigators further alleged that Mondal tried to mislead officials during interrogation. Digital evidence recovered from his electronic devices continues to be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Girlfriend arrested as investigation expands
The investigation has now widened with the arrest of Mondal’s girlfriend, Arpita Sarkar, from Sahibganj in Jharkhand by the Bengal STF.
According to STF sources, Sarkar was allegedly connected to the same module as Mondal. She is being brought to Burdwan Police Station, where the STF is expected to produce her before a court and seek custody for further questioning.
Officials said the investigation is continuing, with forensic examination of digital evidence and verification of electronic records still underway.
FAQs:
Who is the suspected terror recruit arrested by the West Bengal STF?
The West Bengal STF arrested Hamim Mondal, who is accused of having alleged links with the Sajjad Bhat group and is under investigation.
How did investigators trace the alleged online radicalisation in the West Bengal terror case?
Investigators are examining social media activity, encrypted chats and digital evidence that allegedly connected the accused to the suspected terror module.