Jaish-e-Mohammed operative arrested in Bengal highlights cross-border terror threats and internal security challenges

Hindustan Times - India · 3 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Defence and security Mains · GS3 Security High relevance

West Bengal STF arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed operative planning to target CM Suvendu Adhikari and infiltrate Jantar Mantar protests, exposing Pakistan-based terror networks and vulnerabilities in India's internal security apparatus.

Key points

Mohammed Hamim Mondal, a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative, was arrested from Purba Bardhaman district for planning attacks on West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari and infiltrating student protests at Jantar Mantar.

The accused had Pakistan-based handlers from the Shahzad Bhatti gang, demonstrating continued cross-border terror sponsorship violating India's sovereignty and bilateral agreements.

Honeytrap conspiracy emerged as Mondal and associate Arpita Sarkar planned to target a minister's son, showing evolving terror tactics combining cyber radicalization with traditional espionage methods.

Recovery of international SIM cards (UK and Mexico) indicates sophisticated communication networks used by terror modules to evade surveillance and coordinate sleeper cells.

[GS3-Security] The case underscores vulnerabilities in police uniform procurement and protest security, requiring urgent reforms in identity verification protocols at sensitive locations.

Investigation revealed use of encrypted platforms (WhatsApp, Telegram, Element X, Session) for communication with handlers, highlighting challenges in monitoring dark web activities.

The Shahzad Bhatti gang's involvement exposes the narco-terror-radicalization nexus, connecting to India's broader counterterrorism strategy in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

[GS2-Governance] This connects to police modernization needs under the Modernization of Police Forces Scheme to enhance counter-radicalization and cyber investigation capabilities.

Way Forward: India should establish a dedicated Counter-Radicalization Cyber Cell, implement biometric verification for police uniform issuance, and strengthen the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for real-time terror financing tracking.

Key terms

Honeytrap operations

Counterintelligence tactic using romantic relationships to extract sensitive information or compromise targets. Increasingly employed by hostile agencies against Indian officials, necessitating robust security protocols under the Official Secrets Act.

Jaish-e-Mohammed

Pakistan-based terrorist organization founded by Masood Azhar, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by US and banned by UN. Known for attacks like 2001 Parliament attack and 2019 Pulwama attack, it operates primarily in Jammu and Kashmir with ISI support, challenging India's sovereignty.

Shahzad Bhatti gang

Pakistan-based criminal-terror syndicate involved in cross-border narcotics smuggling, terror financing and radicalization of Indian youth through social media. Represents the growing nexus between organized crime and terrorism that complicates India's internal security landscape.

Multi-Agency Centre (MAC)

Intelligence coordination body under IB established after 26/11 attacks to facilitate real-time information sharing between central and state agencies. Plays pivotal role in counterterrorism but requires technological upgrades to track encrypted communications.