The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has arrested another alleged associate of terror suspect Hamim Mondal, further widening its investigation into the suspected Pakistan-linked terror network operating in the state.
Minister’s surveillance claim under investigation
The accused, identified as Aditya Singh alias Raju, was arrested during a pre-dawn raid at his residence on Belilious Road in Howrah. Investigators claim Aditya had known Hamim for a long time and allegedly assisted him in several activities.
STF seeks custody for further questioning
According to STF sources, Aditya was allegedly tasked with keeping watch on state minister Umesh Rai. Investigators claim he monitored the minister’s movements and shared photographs and videos of the minister, his son, their residence, and vehicles with Hamim.
Family expresses disbelief after dramatic arrest
Officials are now probing whether the duo was tracking additional political leaders or other high-profile individuals. The STF is expected to seek Aditya’s custody to question him further about the alleged surveillance operation and identify other potential targets linked to the suspected conspiracy.
Neighbours describe student as quiet youth
Meanwhile, Aditya’s family and neighbours expressed shock over his arrest. Family members said he was a B.Com student with no known criminal background. His mother said his father, who works at a spice shop in Burrabazar, supported his education and had recently bought him a laptop for his studies. She said the family had only ever seen him attending college and could not believe he was involved in such activities.
Probe widens into suspected terror network
Neighbours also claimed Aditya was a quiet and well-behaved young man who rarely entertained visitors at home. Some alleged they believed he may have been falsely implicated, though investigators are continuing to examine his alleged role in the case.
The arrest comes days after the STF detained Hamim Mondal and his alleged associate Arpita Sarkar in connection with an investigation into a suspected terror module with alleged cross-border links. Authorities are continuing to examine encrypted chats, digital evidence, and the wider network as the probe progresses.
