Behind the Plot: How a Busted JeM Cell Targeted Political Elites and Weaponized Digital Influencers

The Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal is currently uncovering the operational footprint of a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) affiliated module, revealing a shift in how Pakistan-backed terror groups operate in India. Rather than relying solely on conventional explosive attacks, the network was tasked by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) with executing espionage, high-stakes honey-trap operations, extortion, and disinformation campaigns across state borders.

Investigators discovered that a central objective of the multi-purpose module was the systematic recruitment of young women. These operatives allegedly promised large financial payouts to target high-profile individuals, specifically aiming to honey-trap the sons of ministers in West Bengal and other states. Beyond intelligence gathering, the module planned to abduct these targets to run a large-scale extortion scheme. Intelligence reports also indicate the network was instructed to target the Chief Minister of West Bengal and stage incidents to incite violence at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

A Shift in ISI Tactics: From Blasts to Espionage and Extortion

Intelligence Bureau officials highlight that this operation points to an evolving doctrine driven by ISI operatives like influencer-turned-handler Shehzad Bhatti. Traditional terror cells focused heavily on bomb-making, logistics, and suicide strikes activities that leave distinct physical evidence and carry high interception risks.

In contrast, hybrid operations centered on social media influencers, police impersonation, and extortion carry significantly lower logistical hurdles while remaining harder for counter-terror units to track. By attempting to procure police uniforms, the module sought to easily bypass security checks and gain direct access to influential figures.

Digital Footprints and Influencer Recruitment Under Scrutiny

This case aligns with a broader trend of leveraging digital influencers for covert operations, a tactic seen following Operation Sindoor during the arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra for passing sensitive information via the Pakistani High Commission.

In the West Bengal probe, the STF arrested 22-year-old Jharkhand resident Arpita Sarkar, an influencer whose digital footprint and frequent trips to Kolkata are under intense review. Investigators are examining her links to key accused Hamim Mondal to determine how deeply social media platforms were being weaponized to expand the network's reach.