Arpita Sarkar, arrested from Barharwa in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, told the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) that she was pursuing graduation. She came in contact with Hamim Mandal through social media about four years ago. The two met several times after that. Citing STF sources, the media reported that Hamim Mandal was planning to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi and other locations across the country, targeting prominent figures. An FIR has been registered against Hamim Mandal under several sections, including procuring weapons with the help of Pakistani handlers and local operatives, reconnaissance of important individuals and establishments under security cover, conspiracy to kidnap prominent figures, and posing a threat to national security.
Earlier, the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) had suspected that Hamim Mandal, with the help of Arpita Sarkar, wanted to honeytrap senior officials and prominent politicians. Furthermore, there is suspicion that Hamim Mandal was plotting to assassinate West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The West Bengal STF’s investigation into this matter is still ongoing. Currently, the STF intends to uncover the entire module. It is believed that other individuals were also involved with Hamim. Residents of the apartment in Bardhaman, where Hamim Mandal lived, also do not have much information about him. Hamim’s arrest has stunned residents.