Suspected JeM Operative Under Investigation for Surveillance on West Bengal Leader

Surveillance Operation Linked to JeM in Kolkata

A significant conspiracy orchestrated by handlers in Pakistan has come to light, involving a suspected operative of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) who allegedly conducted surveillance around the residence of Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal. This information emerged during the interrogation of the suspect, Hamim Mandal, who was apprehended last week in East Bardhaman by the Special Task Force (STF). Alongside him, his alleged associates, Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Sinha, were also questioned.

According to officials, Mandal was tasked with monitoring Adhikari's activities, attending his public events, and identifying potential security vulnerabilities. Allegations suggest that Mandal participated in several of Adhikari's events and even surveilled the Chief Minister's residence located at Chinar Park. Initially, during questioning, the suspect denied visiting the area; however, technical evidence, including mobile tower location analysis, confirmed his presence there. A senior STF officer stated that upon being presented with the evidence, Mandal admitted to conducting surveillance.

Investigators are also exploring whether Mandal and his associates surveyed the state secretariat, Nabanna, to identify possible weaknesses in the Chief Minister's security arrangements. The officer mentioned that they are reviewing CCTV footage and other technical evidence to verify activities around Nabanna. Every lead is being meticulously examined, and no possibilities are being dismissed at this stage. There are suspicions that Mandal may have sought to rent a place near Adhikari's residence for prolonged surveillance, although it remains unclear if he or his associates actually rented any location. The STF alleges that Mandal had direct connections with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the network of gangster Shahzad Bhatti, who resides in Pakistan.