Sahibganj
The investigation into an alleged conspiracy to surveil and assassinate West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has taken a fresh turn with the arrest of a 21-year-old college student from State’s Sahibganj district.
The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF), with assistance from the Jharkhand Police, arrested Arpita Sarkar (21) from the Barharwa police station area of Sahibganj following the interrogation of the case’s main accused, Hamim Mandal. Investigators have intensified the probe after her arrest.
According to the STF, Hamim Mandal was earlier arrested from East Burdwan district in West Bengal. Investigating agencies have alleged that he was in contact with individuals linked to the Pakistan-based militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed and had allegedly shared sensitive information through WhatsApp. The investigation is ongoing, and these allegations are yet to be established in court.
During the investigation, agencies found that Arpita Sarkar, a resident of Barharwa in Sahebganj, had allegedly been in contact with Mandal for nearly four years. Preliminary findings suggest that the two had met on several occasions. Investigators are also examining whether she had any role in an alleged honeytrap network. However, officials said no final conclusions have been reached and the matter remains under investigation.
After taking Sarkar into custody with the assistance of the Jharkhand Police, the West Bengal STF took her to Burdwan for further questioning. Officials said she would be interrogated face-to-face with the main accused to uncover details about the alleged network, possible associates and the purported conspiracy.
Investigating agencies are also examining digital devices, mobile chat records, social media activity and financial transactions to determine whether others were involved or if the case is part of a larger network.
Officials said multiple agencies are jointly investigating the case and stressed that the complete picture will emerge only after the probe is concluded and sufficient evidence is gathered. Police maintained that the investigation is continuing and that any further disclosures will be made only after official verification.
