Suspected Terror Recruit Held In West Bengal, Probe Points To Alleged Online Radicalisation

Last Updated:August 01, 2026, 08:20 IST

Officials suspect Hamim Mondal was radicalised through social media before allegedly attempting to establish links with a Kashmir-based extremist module.

A suspected terror recruit, Hamim Mondal, was arrested by the Bengal Special Task Force (STF) from a flat in a residential housing complex in Burdwan. Officials believe the case highlights the growing role of social media in online radicalisation and recruitment by extremist networks.

Mondal allegedly had links with the Sajjad Bhat group and was operating as a local facilitator. He is suspected of collecting and passing on information from West Bengal while attempting to establish his credentials with the Kashmir-based module.

Social Media Allegedly Became The Gateway

Mondal is a resident of Monteswar in Purba Bardhaman district. He studied for a BCom degree until his second year before discontinuing his education and later worked at a vest (ganjee) manufacturing unit in Howrah.

His alleged radicalisation began online, according to sources familiar with the investigation. Mondal was highly active on social media, and his Instagram profile is believed to have drawn the attention of terror recruiters. He subsequently established contact with individuals linked to the Sajjad Bhat group through the platform.

What began as online conversations allegedly progressed to ideological indoctrination. Sustained interactions are believed to have taken him through an initial phase of radicalisation, after which he received what officials describe as the first level of operational guidance.

Continued communication through encrypted platforms allegedly prepared him for a more active role within the network.

Under Surveillance

The Bengal STF and the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) had reportedly been monitoring Mondal’s online interactions for some time. Digital surveillance enabled the agencies to track his movements and eventually arrest him from the Burdwan housing complex where he had been staying for the past few months.

Alleged Attempts To Prove Himself

Mondal was allegedly trying to demonstrate to the Sajjad Bhat group that he was capable of carrying out militant assignments. He repeatedly shared information from West Bengal in an apparent attempt to gain the group’s confidence.

During interrogation, officials found indications that Mondal had allegedly been trying to pass on information relating to the movements of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to contacts linked to the Kashmir-based group. Investigators are now examining whether the Chief Minister himself may have been a potential target. The STF is verifying the authenticity of these claims.

At this stage, officials do not believe Mondal was functioning as a sleeper-cell operative. His suspected role appears to have been limited to gathering and transmitting information.

WhatsApp Chats Under Scrutiny

The probe has also uncovered an alleged kidnapping conspiracy.

WhatsApp chats recovered from Mondal’s mobile phone indicate that he may have been planning to kidnap Minister Umesh Rai.

Mondal is also suspected of having tried to recruit two or three young men for the alleged plot.

Officials said Rai was unaware of the alleged conspiracy.

Mondal also allegedly attempted to mislead investigators during questioning. Digital evidence recovered from his devices continues to be analysed.

Investigation Widens

The probe has now expanded beyond Mondal, with officials examining the role of a woman believed to have had some involvement in the case. Her exact role is yet to be determined, and no official details have been disclosed.

The investigation remains ongoing. The STF is continuing to verify the authenticity and operational significance of the recovered chats and other electronic records.

About the Author

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting...Read More

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