Kolkata, August 01, 2026 : The West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a woman from neighbouring Jharkhand in connection with its investigation into a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative allegedly linked to an ISI-backed intelligence network operating in West Bengal.
The woman, identified as Arpita Sarkar, was arrested on Friday from the Barharwa area of Sahibganj district in Jharkhand. Her arrest follows the detention of Mohammad Hamim Mondal, who was taken into custody from his rented apartment in Bardhaman town on Thursday.
According to STF officials, Sarkar was allegedly in regular contact with Mondal through WhatsApp, and investigators have recovered digital chats between the two during the course of the probe.
Officials suspect that Mondal was part of an ISI-backed network tasked with gathering intelligence on VIPs, including political leaders, recruiting operatives, and laying the groundwork for possible terror-related activities in the state.
Investigators allege that Sarkar was used to establish contacts with influential political figures in West Bengal and collect sensitive personal information about them.
According to the STF, preliminary findings suggest that she played a significant role in an alleged “honey-trap” network, which investigators believe was used to develop contacts and gain access to personal information of targeted individuals.
“Our investigation suggests that the accused attempted to build a network to access sensitive personal information of certain political personalities. The woman was allegedly used to develop contacts and facilitate the collection of such information. We are verifying the digital evidence and examining the exact nature of her role,” an STF official said.
Authorities are also investigating whether the information allegedly collected was intended for planning attacks or other unlawful activities. Officials stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that the exact purpose behind the alleged intelligence gathering is yet to be conclusively established.
Sarkar has been brought to Purba Bardhaman and is scheduled to be produced before a local court.
Police said Mondal’s ancestral home is in Dirghanagar village under the Monteswar police station area in Purba Bardhaman district. His father has reportedly been living in Howrah’s Pilkhana area since 1998 for work. Mondal and his family had recently shifted to the rented apartment in Bardhaman from where he was arrested.
The STF continues to examine digital evidence, communication records, and possible links to a wider network as the investigation progresses.
