Pak ISI Shifting To Hinterland, Tracking VIPs Such As Suvendu Adhikari Via Social Media? JeM’s Honey Trap Module Busted In Bengal | Exclusive

Last Updated:August 02, 2026, 17:24 IST

Intelligence sources say arrests made by West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) show that Pakistan-based terror networks continue to monitor mass public gatherings in India

The busting of an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)-linked module in West Bengal has revealed what investigators believe is an evolving strategy by Pakistan-based handlers to expand intelligence-gathering operations deep inside India’s hinterland, with a focus on monitoring high-profile individuals through social media and infiltrating public protests.

According to top intelligence sources, the arrests made by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) in Kolkata indicate that Pakistan-based terror networks continue to closely monitor political movements and mass public gatherings in India. Investigators believe the immediate objective may not have been to execute an attack, but rather to build capabilities and gather intelligence for potential future operations.

Officials familiar with the investigation said forensic examination of seized digital devices revealed that the accused, identified as Mondal and Sarkar, allegedly received direct instructions from Pakistan-based handlers operating under aliases including Abid Jatt 333, Uzair, Rana and Hamad. Investigators suspect these identities are linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Shahzad Bhatti network.

According to the probe, communication between the accused and their handlers was carried out through encrypted messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Element X and Session, in an apparent attempt to evade surveillance.

Investigators allege that Pakistani handlers instructed one of the accused to monitor major national events and procure authentic police uniforms. The alleged plan was to enable operatives to impersonate law enforcement personnel and infiltrate student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

According to investigators, the objective behind the alleged infiltration was to keep the protests under surveillance, carry out acts of sabotage, incite violence and trigger large-scale public disorder. The STF said it is verifying whether any team was ultimately constituted or whether anyone travelled to Delhi to execute the alleged plan.

Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that the Shahzad Bhatti network has increasingly been tasked with recruiting and directing operatives inside India, adding that the nature of recent instructions suggests a heightened urgency among Pakistan-based handlers to identify opportunities for future attacks.

According to STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma and interrogation findings, Pakistani handlers had allegedly instructed an accused identified as Hamim to procure police uniforms for the purpose of infiltrating a recent student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Investigators believe the gathering was viewed as a potential opportunity to create unrest, although the alleged conspiracy remains under investigation.

The STF is also probing what it describes as an ISI- and JeM-linked network allegedly engaged in intelligence collection on political leaders and police officials, the use of honey traps to obtain sensitive information, and preparations for potential disruptive activities. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced the filing of final charges.

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Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18

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