From Social Media Influencer to Honey-Trap Conspiracy
Arpita Sarkar, a resident of Barharwa in Sahibganj district, Jharkhand, is an English graduate from a local college and was extremely active on social media. According to the STF, she posed as a social media influencer during the day, while at night she worked on a plot to spy on VIP leaders and honey-trap the son of an influential West Bengal minister.
The investigation revealed that the two began a love affair on Instagram four years ago. Hamim recently included Arpita in the terrorist module, after which she came into direct contact with Pakistani handlers.
Instagram Chats Reveal the Truth
Following Hamim Mandal’s arrest, police analyzed Instagram chats between him and Arpita, leading to his arrest. STF IG Gaurav Sharma stated that this network is not limited to Bengal or Jharkhand, but has connections across the border. Investigating officers have identified four key Pakistani handlers named ‘Abir Jat333’, ‘Uzair’, ‘Rana’, and ‘Hamad’, who allegedly belong to Pakistan’s notorious Shahzad Bhatti gang.
These terrorist handlers were using fake SIM cards from Britain and Mexico to brainwash young people and carry out anti-national plots.
Investigating the Digital Network
The STF’s preliminary investigation has revealed that this network, instead of ordinary calls, was using sophisticated encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Element X, and Session to carry out its activities and communicate in coded words.
Arpita played a key role in helping Hamim gain access to influential political figures and collect their personal information. Currently, the STF team is closely examining the digital devices, chat data, and financial transactions of both accused to unravel the entire structure of this vast network and identify other suspects involved.