'Honey-trap' to target politicians? Bengal cops arrest woman linked to 'JeM operative'

The West Bengal Police's Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a woman from Jharkhand for allegedly helping a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative run a 'honey trap' network aimed at collecting personal information about political leaders in the state.Investigators identified the woman as Arpita Sarkar, who was arrested from Sahibganj district on Friday in connection with the probe into alleged Jaish operative Mohammad Hamim Mondal.They claimed, as PTI cites, she was in regular contact with Mondal through WhatsApp, and chats between the two have been recovered during the probe.Alleged honey trap network under scannerAccording to STF officials, Sarkar allegedly played a key role in a "honey-trap" network used to lure targets and gather sensitive personal information about influential political leaders in West Bengal."Sarkar allegedly played a key role in a 'honey-trap' network used to lure targets as part of the suspected module's activities. Our investigation suggests that the accused attempted to build a network to access sensitive personal information of certain political personalities," an STF official said.Officials alleged that Mondal used Sarkar to establish contacts with influential political figures and collect personal details about them. Investigators are now examining whether the information was intended to facilitate future terror attacks or other anti-national activities.Sarkar has been brought to Purba Bardhaman and is scheduled to be produced before a local court.Investigation ongoingMondal was arrested on Thursday from his rented apartment in a housing complex in Bardhaman town. According to the STF, he is suspected to be part of an ISI-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed network tasked with gathering intelligence on VIPs, including BJP leaders, recruiting operatives and laying the groundwork for possible terror activities in West Bengal.Police said Mondal's ancestral home is in Dirghanagar village in Purba Bardhaman district, while his family had recently shifted to the rented flat in Bardhaman from where he was arrested. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged network and the role of those involved.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.