Major Security Threat Uncovered in Kolkata: Suspected Terrorist Plot Against Chief Minister

A significant security threat has emerged in Kolkata, where police uncovered a suspected terrorist plot against Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari. The investigation revealed that Hamim Mandal, a suspected member of Jaish-e-Mohammed, conducted reconnaissance near the Chief Minister's residence under orders from handlers in Pakistan. The Special Task Force has intensified security measures following these alarming findings and is exploring potential connections to broader networks. This article delves into the details of the investigation and the implications for state security.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 4, 2026, 17:38 IST

Investigation Reveals Alarming Conspiracy

On August 4, Kolkata police disclosed that a suspected member of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hamim Mandal, had conducted reconnaissance in the area surrounding Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari's residence. This operation was allegedly orchestrated under the directives of his handlers based in Pakistan. The revelation came during interrogations of Mandal and his alleged accomplices, Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Sinha, who were apprehended by the Special Task Force (STF) last week in Purba Bardhaman.

According to police officials, Mandal was tasked with monitoring the Chief Minister's activities, attending his public events, and identifying potential security vulnerabilities. Reports indicate that he had attended several public functions of Chief Minister Adhikari and had also surveyed the residence located in Chinar Park. A senior STF officer mentioned that during the initial questioning, Mandal denied visiting the area.

However, technical evidence, including mobile tower location analysis, irrefutably confirmed his presence there. When confronted with this evidence, he admitted to conducting the reconnaissance.

The STF is also investigating whether Mandal and his associates had surveilled the state secretariat, Nabanna, to identify security flaws. The officer stated, 'We are examining CCTV footage and other technical evidence to verify their activities around Nabanna.'

Every lead is being thoroughly investigated, and no possibilities are being ruled out at this stage. Investigators suspect that Mandal may have attempted to find accommodation near the Chief Minister's residence for prolonged surveillance, although it remains unconfirmed whether he actually rented a property.

The STF alleges that Mandal had direct connections with Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, and the network of gangster Shahzad Bhatti based in Pakistan. The officer noted, 'The investigation has revealed indications of the accused's cross-border connections. We are working to uncover the entire conspiracy through digital evidence, financial transactions, and communication records. The investigation is currently at a critical phase.'

Furthermore, the STF claims that Arpita Sarkar was assigned a role in a 'honey trap' scheme to establish contact with influential politicians and senior bureaucrats to gather confidential information.

Investigators suspect that this alleged module was planning a significant destructive act aimed at creating political instability in the state, with the Chief Minister being one of the primary targets. A senior bureaucrat from Nabanna stated that security measures for the Chief Minister have been significantly enhanced following these revelations. The STF is also probing whether any other networks linked to Shahzad Bhatti or other Pakistan-backed elements are active in West Bengal and if local collaborators or sleeper cells provided logistical support for this alleged conspiracy.

The STF officer emphasized, 'We are investigating the role of every individual connected to this module and are also trying to determine if any sleeper cells or local collaborators were involved.'