STF Foils Plot to Infiltrate Delhi Protests and Target Bengal Leadership
West Bengal's Special Task Force has exposed a cross-border conspiracy involving Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar. The duo allegedly planned to incite violence at Jantar Mantar and surveil high-profile political targets.
Key takeaways
- Hamim Mondal was arrested on July 31, 2026, for plotting to infiltrate student protests at Jantar Mantar while disguised as a police officer.
- The West Bengal STF identified the Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti gang as a primary link in the radicalization of the suspect.
- The suspect was tasked with monitoring Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to find gaps in his security for potential strikes.
- Associate Arpita Sarkar was apprehended in Jharkhand following an alleged honey-trap and kidnapping plot targeting a minister’s son.
- Authorities are currently analyzing encrypted messages and financial records to identify other members of the terror cell.
Transnational Terror Links and the Jantar Mantar Plot
The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) revealed on August 1, 2026, that a recently apprehended terror suspect intended to incite violence during political demonstrations in the national capital. Hamim Mondal, who was arrested on July 31, 2026, by a six-member STF team, reportedly received instructions from Pakistani handlers to acquire a police uniform. His objective was to infiltrate the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi to initiate subversive activities.
Surveillance of State Leadership
According to STF Inspector-General Gaurav Sharma, Mondal's assignments extended beyond civil unrest. The suspect was actively monitoring the movements of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to identify lapses in his security detail. Investigations indicate that Mondal was also tracking several other politicians and senior police officials. The STF asserts that Mondal has connections with the Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti gang and other extremist organizations. Authorities attribute his actions to systemic radicalization and propaganda.
Honey-Trap Schemes and Regional Operations
The investigation widened with the apprehension of Arpita Sarkar, an associate of Mondal, who was detained in Sahebganj, Jharkhand, before being moved to Kolkata. The duo first drew police attention during a plot to honey-trap and kidnap the son of a state minister in Howrah. This criminal lead allowed the STF to uncover the broader terror network. Minister Shankar Ghosh stated on Saturday that the administration is committed to a total crackdown on these elements, describing the state's resolve against criminal nuisances and terror activities.
Evidence and Legal Proceedings
Following his production in a Bardhaman court, Mondal was remanded to 14 days of police custody. Law enforcement agencies are currently forensicly examining seized electronic gadgets, documents, and encrypted communications.
- Analysts are tracing bank transactions to map the financial backbone of the operation.
- The STF continues to monitor several other individuals linked to this network who remain at large.
- Intelligence suggests the handlers sought to mimic law enforcement via stolen or counterfeit uniforms to maximize chaos during public protests.
Source: The Hindu — National
Related stories
Twelve Kerala Districts on Orange Alert as Heavy Monsoon Storms Claim Eight Lives
UDF Administration Authorizes Fresh Inquiry into Veena George Black Flag Incident
Landslip Buries Family in Tirthahalli After Protective Wall Failure
