Howrah Home Raid Leads to Capture of Terror Suspect Connected to SBN

In a coordinated operation, the West Bengal Special Task Force executed a raid on a Howrah residence on Sunday night, resulting in the capture of Aditya Singh, alias Raj. The suspect is alleged to have been a key informant for the Shahzad Bhatty Network (SBN), a Pakistan‑based terrorist‑criminal syndicate linked to Jaish‑e‑Mohammad.

The investigation began after the arrest of Hameem Mandal, a known operative of the extremist group, and his partner Arpita Sarkar. Interrogations of the duo revealed that Aditya Singh had supplied the SBN with detailed intelligence on BJP legislator Umesh Rai, his family members and their daily movements. This data was reportedly intended for honey‑trapping, blackmail and potential kidnapping operations.

Police reports indicate that threatening phone calls made to Umesh Rai after the recent assembly elections were traced back to Aditya Singh. Rai, who represents the Howrah‑North constituency, also serves as a state minister in the cabinet of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The STF team arrived at Singh’s home late on Sunday, conducted an all‑night interrogation, and formally booked him on Monday morning. The operation also led to the seizure of documents related to the chief minister’s schedule and travel plans, which were found in the possession of Hameem Mandal.

Both Mandal and Sarkar remain in STF custody for a 14‑day period, while the investigation into the broader network continues.