The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has alleged that a Pakistan-based network linked to Shahzad Bhatti used an alleged honey-trap module to establish contact with and target the families of six West Bengal ministers, as well as other influential individuals.
The allegations have come at the same time a suspected Pakistan-connected network is also being investigated by authorities that may have used social media, personal relationships and online communication channels to gain access to politically connected and influential people.
According to the West Bengal STF’s initial findings, Arpita Sarkar, who has been arrested in connection with the investigation, was involved in the network’s attempts to contact influential people. Investigators have linked her to Mohammad Hamim Mondal, who is suspected of being connected to the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
The STF is investigating whether the alleged network relied on personal interactions and online relationships in order to collect information, influence, and gain access to the political leaders.
The investigation has caught the attention of many West Bengal ministers' families in the past as well. The officials are now investigating what kind of contacts took place, whether any sensitive information was obtained, and whether the alleged operation extended beyond the people currently under investigation.
The term “honey trap” also means to use a personal or romantic relationship (if possible) to gain trust, get information, or influence a target. In this case, investigators are investigating whether or not such methods might have been used as part of a larger network via social media and digital communication.
The West Bengal STF has claimed that the suspected network had links to Pakistan-based handlers and that Arpita Sarkar assisted Hamim Mondal in establishing contacts with influential people. Digital evidence, online communications and social media activity are among the material being examined by investigators.
Experts are also investigating the alleged role of the Shahzad Bhatti Network, which is said to have operated through online contacts and social media. The structure of the network, operational reach and possible connections between the various people are still to be uncovered.
The case has raised concerns about the use of social media platforms for covert networking and the possible targeting of politically connected individuals. It is also believed that investigators are analysing communication records, digital devices and other evidence to see whether the alleged operation was limited to information gathering or part of a larger conspiracy.
The STF’s investigation will also examine whether the people and families approached by the network were aware of the suspected links or if they were unknowingly drawn into contact with people connected to the alleged operation.
Officials have not publicly mentioned that any of the ministers or family members were guilty, however. The investigation is on the alleged activities of the network, and how the network or people in it approached or established relationships with influential individuals, it said.
The allegations have also underscored the increasingly sophisticated security concerns in digital communication. Social media platforms can be used to build relationships across geographic boundaries, but investigators have warned that people with access to the platform can also create fake identities, establish personal connections and spy on people with access to sensitive information.
Arpita Sarkar's arrest is also viewed as a big development in the investigation. Investigators are examining her alleged relationship with Hamim Mondal and whether she actually participated in the suspected network activities.
Hamim Mondal is suspected to have also maintained communication with Pakistan-based handlers using encrypted messaging systems and coded communication. His alleged contacts and the wider network connected to the case are being investigated, investigators said.
The investigation is still going on and the allegations have not been tested in court. The guilt or legal responsibility of the accused can only be determined through the judicial process.
As the West Bengal STF continues its probe, more details may emerge regarding the alleged targeting of ministers’ families, the role of the Pakistan-based network and the extent of the suspected honey-trap operation.
As such, there will be a lot of interest because of that cross-border link and because the target is politically influential people in West Bengal.
