A major security investigation has taken place in West Bengal after the state’s Special Task Force (STF) alleged that a Pakistan-based radical group had assigned an accused named Hamim to study the movements of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The accusation has raised serious concern that a current Chief Minister could be targeted and that a wider cross-border network may exist. Now the investigation is starting into the extent of Hamim’s alleged activities, whether he is connected to radical groups, and if the information he’d collected was connected to a bigger operation.
Kolkata:
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) August 1, 2026
“Pakistan based radical group tasked Hamim with studying CM Suvendu's movements.”
- Bengal STF pic.twitter.com/yuTfY5WnBE
According to reports, the accused was captured by Bengal STF following an intelligence-led operation in Purba Bardhaman. Hamim had been watching or tracking the chief minister's movements, the investigators have said. The surveillance may have been for gathering intelligence or preparing for the possibility of a possible attack or other security-related activity, they said.
The STF's announcement that a Pakistan-based radical group allegedly assigned Hamim the task has added an international dimension to the investigation. Security agencies are expected to investigate the alleged chain of communication, the source of instructions and whether the accused had direct contact with individuals or handlers outside India.
The case is particularly important as it involves the security of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Any attempt to track the movements, travel patterns or security arrangements of a chief minister would be a serious matter for law-enforcement and intelligence agencies.
The accused used a false identity and tried to blend in with his surroundings while gathering information, sources said. Digital evidence, mobile phone data, documents and other material recovered during the operation were being examined by investigators, the STF said.
The investigation is likely to focus on several key questions: how long the alleged surveillance continued, what information was collected, who allegedly directed the activity and whether the accused shared any information with people connected to the suspected network.
The authorities might also check if the accused had access to sensitive information about the chief minister's public appearances, official travel or security arrangements. Any evidence that such information was passed on to external handlers would greatly expand the scope of the case.
The alleged Pakistan connection has raised concerns about cross-border radical networks and their potential for local contact. But what the suspected group could do and how much foreign involvement it might be may depend on the evidence collected during the investigation.
Bengal STF has not publicly stated that an attack is planned. Hamim’s claim that he was assigned to follow the chief minister’s movement is also under investigation. The accused is entitled to due process, and the allegations need to be tested through the legal process.
The case has also drawn attention because of previous warnings of potential threats to Suvendu Adhikari. In December 2024, intelligence inputs indicated that individuals who were allegedly associated with a Bangladesh-based radical group had done reconnaissance around the leader’s residence in Contai.
The recent development could thus trigger a closer look at security arrangements around the chief minister and other senior politicians in the state.
As the investigation continues, investigators will look at Hamim’s alleged network, financial ties, communication records and possible associates. Central security or investigative agencies are also likely to be involved if evidence points to a wider terror network or cross-border coordination.
And Bengal STF’s accusation has galvanized a major security debate. The next step of the investigation is to determine if the alleged surveillance was part of an organized plot and if others were involved.
