In a major counter-terrorism operation, the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) on Friday arrested an alleged member of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) from Bardhaman. Investigators suspect the accused, identified as Hamid Mandal, was allegedly planning an attack targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, based on preliminary evidence recovered during the operation.
According to police sources, Mandal was arrested late on Thursday night from a rented flat in the Renaissance Township area of Bardhaman, where he had reportedly been living for the past two to three months. Officials said the hideout had been carefully chosen to avoid attracting the attention of law enforcement agencies. He is scheduled to be produced before a Bardhaman court later on Friday.
The STF recovered a mobile phone and several documents from the accused during the raid. Preliminary examination of the seized material has led investigators to suspect that Mandal was involved in planning a terror strike and may have been collecting intelligence related to the movements and security arrangements of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Police sources further claimed that Mandal is a close associate of Sajjad Bhat, who is believed to have been one of the masterminds behind the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. Investigators are now examining whether the alleged links point to a wider network operating in India and whether Mandal had assistance from other operatives.
According to the investigation, the accused had allegedly been gathering information about the Chief Minister's public engagements and had been closely monitoring his programme schedule since July 9. Officials are analysing the digital data and documents recovered to determine the purpose of collecting the information and whether it was intended for use in planning an attack.
Security agencies are also probing Mandal's movements, contacts, financial transactions and communication records during his stay in West Bengal. Investigators are attempting to establish how he entered the state, whether he received logistical support locally, and if additional members of the alleged terror module remain active.
The arrest has prompted heightened security measures as intelligence agencies continue to assess the potential threat. Officials have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation progresses. Authorities said the interrogation of the accused and forensic examination of the seized electronic devices are expected to provide more clarity on the alleged conspiracy and the extent of the network behind it.
The STF has not yet released an official statement detailing the findings of the investigation, and the allegations regarding the suspected assassination plot remain under investigation. Authorities are expected to present the accused before the court while seeking custody for further questioning as they continue to unravel the alleged terror module's activities.
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