A narrow, dimly lit lane in Howrah’s Pilkhana, lined with modest homes and small workshops, has turned into the focus of a high-stakes anti-terror probe after investigators uncovered what is suspected to be a hideout linked to a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative.
The premises, located in a multi-storied building (Building No. 7) off Alam Mistry Lane, was allegedly being used by Hamim Mondal, a JeM militant recently arrested in East Bardhaman. Intelligence agencies now suspect that anti-state activities were being carried out from the site under the cover of a garment tag manufacturing unit.
According to officials, Hamim had been operating out of two rented rooms on the ground floor of the building for nearly two years. To avoid suspicion, one room was fitted with a printing machine used for making garment tags, while the second functioned as an IT “office” equipped with computers.
The landlord said the rooms were rented out for Rs 7,000 and Rs 4,000 per month. For locals, the setup appeared to be a small, routine business. However, investigators now believe the space may have served as a covert operational base for militant activities targeting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
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Preliminary findings have revealed alleged links between Hamim and militant networks in the Kashmir Valley. Officials described the information extracted during interrogation as “extremely alarming and explosive,” pointing to a potentially wider network.
A key line of inquiry for investigators is whether the location was used for surveillance. Agencies are examining the possibility that movements of the Chief Minister—including his security detail, district tour routes, and daily schedule—may have been monitored from the site.
Sleuths are now trying to determine whether the Howrah hideout was merely a safe house or part of preparations for a larger act of sabotage. Both state and central agencies are involved in the probe.
Local residents said a man identified as Moniruddin Mondal had been living alongside Hamim, posing as his “father.” Neighbours reported that Hamim had not been seen in the area for nearly two months. Following news of his arrest, the man claiming to be his father reportedly fled overnight.
Investigators have since sealed the premises and are conducting a detailed search of the locked rooms and electronic devices recovered from the site. Officials said forensic analysis of the computers could provide crucial leads into the extent of the alleged network and its operations.
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