The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) on Friday arrested an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative from Bardhaman, with investigators probing whether he was planning an attack targeting Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. Officials said crucial documents and a mobile phone recovered during the operation have led investigators to suspect a larger conspiracy.
According to police sources, the arrested accused has been identified as Hamid Mandal, who is alleged to be associated with the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. Investigators also claim that he is a close associate of Sajjad Bhat, one of the key conspirators linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. Hamid Mandal was reportedly arrested late Thursday night from a rented flat in the Renaissance Township area of Bardhaman, where he had allegedly been staying for the past two to three months. He is expected to be produced before a local court on Friday.
Police believe the residential complex was deliberately chosen as a hideout to avoid attracting the attention of law enforcement agencies. The STF is now examining the accused’s alleged activities, contacts and movements to determine whether he was acting alone or as part of a wider network operating in the country.
Investigators have also claimed that the accused had allegedly collected information related to the movement and public programmes of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee since July 9. Officials are analysing digital evidence and documents seized during the operation to determine why the information was being collected and whether it was linked to any larger terror conspiracy. At the same time, the STF is also probing the alleged plot targeting Suvendu Adhikari, based on material recovered from the accused.
The investigating agency is likely to seek the accused’s custody for further interrogation as it continues to trace his alleged links and identify other individuals who may have been involved in the suspected conspiracy.
Explosives Seized in Birbhum
In a separate operation, police recovered a large cache of explosives from an abandoned house in the Nalhati area of Birbhum district. Acting on a tip-off, officers conducted a raid and seized a significant quantity of explosive materials.
According to police, the recovery included over 800 kg of ammonium nitrate, more than 1,200 gelatin sticks, 105 detonators and 36 detonating fuse coils. An investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for storing the explosives and to determine whether the seizure has any connection with other ongoing investigations.
