Kolkata: A suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative arrested in West Bengal was allegedly plotting to infiltrate a recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led students’ protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar disguised as a police officer and carry out sabotage, the West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) has claimed.

Investigators have also alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari figured among the potential targets of the suspected terror network.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma said investigators had recovered what police described as significant digital evidence from the mobile phone, electronic devices and encrypted chats of 24-year-old Hamim Mondal, who was arrested from Purba Bardhaman on Friday.

The STF stressed that the investigation is continuing and the alleged conspiracy, its participants and possible international links are still being verified.

🚨BIG NEWS from Bengal STF🚨

Pakistani handlers directed arrested Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative Hamim Mondal (also referred to as Hamim/Hamid/Hameem Mondal/Mondal), a 23-year-old from Purba Bardhaman, to infiltrate the recent CJP / “Cockroach” students’ protest at Delhi’s…

— Akshay Kumar (@akshay_vicky) August 1, 2026

Jantar Mantar Plot Under Scanner

According to the STF, Mondal was allegedly preparing to enter the CJP-led students’ demonstration at Jantar Mantar wearing a police uniform. Investigators suspect the plan was aimed at carrying out an act of sabotage amid the protest.

Police have not disclosed the alleged method or operational details, citing the sensitive and ongoing nature of the investigation. They are now probing whether Mondal had accomplices in Delhi or elsewhere who could have helped execute the purported plan.

“Jantar Mantar stir was on terror radar, suspect allegedly planned to pose as cop”: Bengal STF foils major terror bid, arrests JeM operative @SreyashiDey reports pic.twitter.com/11edcamRfd

— NDTV (@ndtv) August 1, 2026

Encrypted Chats Point to Pakistan-Based Handlers: STF

Forensic examination of Mondal’s phone and messaging applications allegedly uncovered communications with Pakistan-based handlers linked to a network that investigators associate with narcotics trafficking and terror activities.

The conversations allegedly took place through encrypted messaging platforms including WhatsApp and Telegram.

The STF said suspected handlers using aliases such as “Rana”, “Abir”, “Habib” and “333” appeared in the recovered communications. Investigators suspect the wider network was engaged in radicalisation, recruitment, illegal arms trafficking and planning acts of sabotage.

Authorities are analysing the digital trail to establish the identities of the people behind the accounts and determine the scale of the suspected network.

Chief Minister’s Movements Allegedly Tracked

A separate and potentially serious strand of the investigation concerns Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The STF alleges Mondal had been gathering information about Adhikari’s movements, travel plans, official engagements and programme schedules. Investigators are examining whether convoy routes and vehicle movements were also being monitored.

Police further claimed that a minister from Howrah district had come under surveillance.

Reacting to the arrest on Friday, Adhikari called the matter “sensitive” and said senior police officers and the STF were investigating possible international connections.

Woman Associate Arrested in Jharkhand

The investigation has also expanded to neighbouring Jharkhand, where the STF arrested Arpita Sarkar from Sahibganj district and subsequently brought her to Bardhaman for questioning.

Police allege Sarkar had been in regular contact with Mondal for nearly four years after the two reportedly connected through Instagram.

Investigators are examining whether she was used in a suspected “honey-trap” operation aimed at developing contacts with influential political personalities and obtaining sensitive personal information.

The STF said recovered chats indicated frequent communication between Mondal and Sarkar, but investigators are still establishing the precise nature of her alleged involvement.

STF Probes Wider Network, Funding and International Links

Investigators suspect Mondal had been staying in a rented accommodation in Bardhaman for the past few months in an attempt to evade detection.

The STF is now examining whether he was part of a wider Pakistan-linked network allegedly involved in intelligence gathering on VIPs, recruiting operatives and establishing logistical support for possible terror activities.

The probe is focusing on financial transactions, encrypted communications, domestic associates and possible overseas handlers.

Mondal was arrested from a housing complex in Burdwan town. Police have alleged links between him and the Pakistan-based banned terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Investigators are also examining his suspected connections with individuals allegedly associated with terror networks linked to Pakistan.

With digital devices and communications now under forensic scrutiny, the STF is attempting to determine whether the alleged Jantar Mantar sabotage plan and surveillance of political figures were part of a larger coordinated conspiracy.

The allegations against Mondal and the other accused remain under investigation and have not been established in court.