West Bengal’s Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a Pakistani national, Hamim Mondal, and said the suspect carried out surveillance linked to the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Investigators said Mondal monitored the movements of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, attended public programmes to observe him, and attempted to identify weaknesses in the Chief Minister’s security arrangements. The STF said he also kept watch on locations connected to the Chief Minister, including his residence in the Sinar Park area of Kolkata and nearby spots.
According to a senior STF officer, Mondal was confirmed to have blended into crowds at multiple events. The agency said it has found evidence of Mondal and his associates moving around in the areas under surveillance.
The STF further said the group also monitored the state secretariat, Nabanna. During questioning, investigators also found alleged links between Mondal and Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, as well as an underworld figure identified as Shahzad Bhatti.
The STF said the suspect had also been in Delhi last month and joined a protest in a police uniform, allegedly attempting to trigger unrest. The investigation is continuing.
