Pak terror groups had Bengal CM on hit list, tried to infiltrate CJP protest: Cops

The STF said Hamim Mondal, arrested from Burdwan, had been repeatedly asked to gather information about the Chief Minister's movements, including occasions when his security may have been lighter. The probe has also revealed a possible link to the recent student protests at Delhi's.

According to the STF, Mondal was asked to procure police uniforms as part of a plan to create disturbances during the agitation. According to the STF, an examination of Mondal's phone and online communications showed repeated attempts by Pakistan-based handles to obtain information about.

What Happened

Sharma said Mondal was asked to track Adhikari's movement patterns and identify occasions when he might be relatively unguarded. Investigators also found references to police personnel, political leaders and other prominent individuals as possible targets, but the STF has not disclosed their.

• Investigators are now trying to establish the role of each accused, identify others who may have been part of the network and trace its cross-border links.

• Both were produced before a court in Burdwan and are being questioned over their alleged links to the Pakistan-based handlers.

• Mondal was taken into custody on the intervening night of July 30 and 31, while Sarkar was arrested on Friday night.

Key Details

The investigation began with an alleged plot to extort money from a senior politician in Howrah and honey-trap and kidnap his son. Investigators traced a suspicious social media handle to Sahibganj in Jharkhand.

• According to Sharma, Mondal was asked by Pakistan-based handlers to procure police uniforms in connection with a plan to create disturbances during the agitation.

• The investigation has also turned to the recent student protests at Jantar Mantar.

• The agency said Element X and Session were also used for communication.

Why It Matters

The handle was allegedly operated by Arpita Sarkar. Police alerted local authorities and secured the potential targets before examining the account's communications.

• According to the STF, Mondal first came into contact with the handlers on Instagram before shifting conversations to encrypted messaging platforms.

• Investigators suspect the handles are linked to the Shahzad Bhatti gang, which the STF alleged is involved in radicalisation, narco-terror activities and recruitment for extremist operations.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge