Burdwan: JeM Terrorist Hamid Mondol Arrested by STF
Indiadailyupdate.com – In a significant development for West Bengal security, the Special Task Force (STF) along with Burdwan police successfully apprehended Hamid Mondol, a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist, on Friday. The arrest operation took place at Renasha Township in the Burdwan district, where Mondol was residing with his family. The Kolkata Police STF team, consisting of six members, executed the operation with precision, catching the suspect off guard. This arrest has sent ripples through the security apparatus in the region, as investigators work to uncover the full extent of Mondol’s involvement with the terror network.
Personal Background and Family Life
Mondol, aged approximately 23 years, is the son of Moniuddin and has been living in Burdwan for some time. He resided with his wife and three children in a rented apartment on the second floor of a building named Rohini. Despite living in the community for a considerable period, local residents remained unaware of his true identity and connections to the terror organization. He had been maintaining a low profile, telling acquaintances that he worked in the private sector, which helped him blend into everyday life in Burdwan. His family members have been informed about the arrest and are cooperating with the investigation authorities.
JeM Connections and Activities
Investigations have revealed that Mondol maintains close ties with Sajad Bhat, the individual under whose name the vehicle was registered during the devastating 2019 Pulwama terror attack. This connection places Mondol directly within the JeM network’s operational framework. He has been actively communicating with associates through multiple channels, including WhatsApp groups and Instagram, coordinating activities from Burdwan. Preliminary findings indicate that his primary activities included recruiting new members for the organization and monitoring the movements of West Bengal’s Chief Minister along with other prominent political figures. His surveillance operations were reportedly conducted from various locations across the state, with Burdwan serving as a key base of operations.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Police officials are preparing to present the accused before the Burdwan court later on Friday for formal proceedings. A request for extended police custody will be submitted to allow for thorough interrogation. Following this, Mondol is expected to be transferred to Kolkata for detailed questioning by senior officials who have expertise in handling terror-related cases. Authorities believe that Mondol may have stayed at multiple locations across West Bengal, with Kolkata being one such important location. Additional information concerning the specific charges against him and the ongoing probe is expected to be revealed in the coming days as investigators piece together his complete profile.
Political Response and National Security
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari addressed the media regarding the arrest, choosing not to share extensive details at this early phase of the investigation. He emphasized the sensitivity of the situation, highlighting that the matter involves both international connections and national security concerns. The Chief Minister’s statement underscored the broader implications of this arrest for West Bengal’s security landscape.
“I am not passing any comment; it is a very sensitive issue. It is about international connections and about national safety.”
The CM further clarified that this represents a broader question of national security rather than an issue tied to any single person. He recalled a 2022 visit by the Union Home Minister to Nabanna, where meetings occurred with four eastern regional Chief Ministers to discuss security matters. This historical context demonstrates the ongoing collaboration between state and central agencies in addressing terror threats.
“The country’s interest first, politics later. I had gone to ask for land from the Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) for border fencing. I had bowed down as it is about the nation first. If the nation is secure, everything will be there, including politics.”
Adhikari shared these remarks while recounting his discussion with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, underscoring the priority given to securing the country over political considerations. The Burdwan arrest is being viewed as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen its counter-terrorism capabilities and maintain vigilance against potential threats from organized terror networks operating within the region.
