Kolkata, Aug 2026 : Extensive CCTV surveillance around the Chinar Park residence of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in the northern outskirts of Kolkata allegedly prevented suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) associate Hamim Mondal from recording photographs or videos of the premises and the surrounding area, particularly the approach routes used by the Chief Minister’s convoy. Mondal was arrested last week from Burdwan town in East Burdwan district by the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police. According to sources familiar with the investigation, he disclosed during questioning by the STF and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that he had conducted reconnaissance of the area around the Chief Minister’s residence and monitored routes used by the convoy.
However, Mondal allegedly told investigators that he could not capture photographs or videos because of the extensive CCTV network installed throughout the area. He reportedly feared that recording the residence or nearby roads could expose him to security agencies. A state police official said Mondal had received specific instructions from Pakistan-based handlers to avoid being captured on CCTV while photographing or filming the residences of VIPs and their surrounding areas.
Because of the heavy surveillance, Mondal was allegedly forced to limit his reconnaissance activities around the Chief Minister’s residence. Investigators are examining the details of the alleged reconnaissance and the instructions he received from his suspected overseas contacts. Mondal also reportedly admitted that he sometimes used app-based taxis while conducting reconnaissance of routes allegedly used by the Chief Minister’s convoy.
Investigators are now examining his movements, contacts and possible objectives behind the surveillance activity. Mondal is currently in STF custody along with two alleged associates, Arpita Sarkar and Aditya Singh. Investigators have linked Mondal not only with JeM but also with the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), a Pakistan-based terrorist-criminal organisation, according to officials familiar with the case.
Investigators are also probing the alleged role of Sarkar, who was reportedly used as part of a separate operation targeting politically and socially influential individuals in West Bengal. According to the investigation, Sarkar allegedly acted as a medium for honey-trapping influential persons before they were subjected to blackmail and extortion. Investigators believe the network may have targeted several individuals with access to political and administrative circles.
Following the questioning of Mondal and Sarkar, STF officials have reportedly found indications that the SBN targeted family members of at least six serving members of the West Bengal Cabinet through Sarkar. The alleged targeting was not limited to relatives of ministers, with investigators also examining claims that other influential individuals associated with the state's administrative machinery were targeted. The disclosures have prompted investigators to examine the wider network, including its alleged links with Pakistan-based handlers, the methods used for reconnaissance, the movement of suspects and the possible purpose behind collecting information about VVIP residences and convoy routes.
Authorities are expected to scrutinise digital devices, communication records, travel details and other evidence recovered during the investigation as they seek to establish the extent of the alleged network and determine whether the reconnaissance activities were linked to any specific plan.
