West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Hamim Mondal Girlfriend Arpita: The investigation into the alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed terror module case, in which suspected terrorist Hamim Mondal was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) from Bardhaman, has achieved another major breakthrough. Police have now arrested Arpita Sarkar, the girlfriend of Hamim Mondal, from Sahebganj in Jharkhand. A special team of the Bengal STF carried out the operation and took her into custody.

According to investigators, the arrest of Arpita has opened new dimensions in the ongoing probe. The STF claims that not only Hamim Mondal but also Arpita Sarkar allegedly had links with Pakistan-based terror groups. Investigators are examining the nature of these alleged connections and the role played by both individuals in the suspected network.

Soon after her arrest in Jharkhand, Arpita was brought to Bardhaman Police Station on transit remand. STF sources said that investigators are preparing to conduct a face-to-face interrogation of Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar to verify their statements and gather more information about the alleged terror module.

According to STF sources, Arpita’s alleged role in the network was considered significant. Investigators claim that she was allegedly assigned responsibilities related to using honey trap techniques to influence and target influential individuals and that there were allegations of plans involving their abduction. Authorities are currently verifying these claims as part of the detailed investigation.

The investigation, officials reportedly traced Arpita Sarkar’s involvement after examining the mobile phone of arrested accused Hamim Mondal. Investigators suspect that the two used a specially designed encrypted mobile application instead of regular communication platforms to exchange confidential information and discuss their alleged plans.

The investigating agencies have stated that the alleged modus operandi of Hamim and Arpita appeared to be organised and specific. According to the probe, Hamim’s alleged responsibility was to monitor the movements of influential political leaders and conduct reconnaissance activities. Arpita, on the other hand, was allegedly involved in overseeing activities related to honey traps and possible abduction plans.

Investigators are now trying to uncover how Pakistan-linked terror groups allegedly used states such as West Bengal and Jharkhand to operate through local agents and how financial support or funding was allegedly transferred to them. Authorities are focusing on identifying the money trail and the possible network behind the suspected operations.

The STF believes that a detailed interrogation of both Hamim Mondal and Arpita Sarkar together could reveal several important details about the alleged interstate and international terror module. Investigators are continuing their probe to uncover the complete structure of the network, identify other possible associates, and determine the extent of the alleged activities.