Kolkata, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police has uncovered what investigators describe as an extensive network allegedly operated by the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), which is suspected to have targeted family members of at least six serving West Bengal ministers through a woman linked to an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) associate.
According to the investigation, Arpita Sarkar, a social media influencer arrested last week, was initially introduced to the Pakistan-based handlers by Hamim Mondal, an alleged JeM associate.
Investigators claim that after assessing her potential for honey-trapping influential individuals, the foreign handlers began communicating with her directly through encrypted messages on multiple social media platforms, bypassing Mondal.
Police sources said the network’s alleged targets extended beyond ministers’ families to include other influential individuals connected with the state’s administrative machinery. Investigators believe the objective was to cultivate contacts and extract sensitive or classified information.
Mondal was arrested from Burdwan town in East Burdwan district, while Sarkar was apprehended later the same day from Sahibganj in neighbouring Jharkhand. Two mobile phones seized from Sarkar are being examined with the assistance of cyber experts to decode encrypted communications allegedly exchanged with SBN operatives.
During questioning, Mondal is said to have admitted introducing Sarkar to the Pakistan-based network. Investigators claim that she subsequently maintained independent contact with the handlers, who allegedly directed her activities.
The STF has also traced several social media accounts, including those operating under the names “Rana”, “Uzair”, “Abid Jat333” and “Hamad”. According to investigators, these accounts were operated by Pakistani handlers, some of whom allegedly used SIM cards registered in Britain and Mexico to conceal their identities.
The investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged network and identify any additional individuals involved.
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