STF Raids Howrah Premises Linked to Terror Suspect Hamim Mondal

August 2, 2026

The Bengal Special Task Force (STF) conducted raids on Sunday across multiple locations in Pilkhana, Howrah, in connection with terror suspect Hamim Mondal. Mondal and his father, Maniruddin Mondal, had previously rented two ground-floor flats on Alam Mistry Lane in Ward 13 of the Howrah Municipal Corporation, operating under the guise of a garment printing business before vacating the premises after May 4.

What Happened

According to local residents and building officials, Maniruddin Mondal rented two flats at 7 Alam Mistry Lane roughly 18 months ago for Rs 11,000 per month via a broker. Building caretaker Mohammad Ali and neighbouring shop worker Shamima Begum noted that while rent was paid regularly, the establishment remained closed for several months before operations commenced around seven months ago with three workers. The business was ostensibly set up to print price tags, barcodes, and size stickers for readymade garments.

Witnesses reported seeing Hamim Mondal visit the site during evening hours, often carrying bags or machine parts, and occasionally accompanied by two or three young men. Inside the rented space, one room contained printing equipment while Hamim worked on a computer in another. The father-son pair vacated the location after May 4, paying three months’ rent upfront. Shortly after, neighbours discovered via the broker that they had purchased a costly flat in Burdwan, sparking local suspicion regarding their sudden financial gains.

The location of the business falls within Ward 13, the same area where Minister of State for Urban Development Umesh Rai resides and which is represented by his wife, Geeta Rai, as councillor. An associate of Umesh Rai alleged that Hamim Mondal repeatedly threatened the minister, claiming to be a “Pakistani agent” and threatening to kidnap his son. These alleged threats led Minister Rai to lodge a formal police complaint. Bengal STF personnel subsequently raided multiple addresses in Pilkhana on Sunday, where Hamim had formerly resided.

Key Highlights

Bengal STF raided several locations in Pilkhana linked to terror suspect Hamim Mondal on Sunday.
Hamim and his father, Maniruddin Mondal, rented two flats on Alam Mistry Lane in Ward 13 for Rs 11,000 monthly, claiming to run a garment tag printing business.
Operations began seven months ago with three employees, after staying shut for months following an 18-month lease agreement.
Hamim and his girlfriend, Arpita Sarkar, allegedly targeted the family of Minister of State for Urban Development Umesh Rai.
Rai filed a police complaint after an associate stated Hamim threatened Rai, called himself a “Pakistani agent,” and threatened to kidnap Rai’s son.
The pair vacated the property after May 4 and reportedly bought an expensive flat in Burdwan.
Local representatives and political leaders highlighted ongoing issues regarding unverified rentals and illegal immigration in the surrounding Howrah wards.

Why This Matters

The investigation highlights concerns raised by local residents and officials regarding unverified property rentals arranged through brokers in parts of Howrah, including Alam Mistry Lane and Watkins Lane. Advocate Omprakash Singh, secretary of the Howrah Sadar BJP, alleged that historical shortcomings in policing across Wards 12, 13, 15, and 16 had encouraged criminal presence, though recent enforcement efforts now yield 70 to 80 daily arrests in local slum areas. Additionally, Trinamool Ward 16 councillor Md Rustam stated he assisted police in removing 36 suspected illegal immigrants over the past year, noting ongoing efforts to identify more individuals.

What to Watch Next

Further developments are expected as the Bengal Special Task Force continues its investigation into Hamim Mondal and his associates following the Pilkhana raids. Police procedures and local enforcement actions regarding unverified rentals and suspected illegal immigrants across Howrah wards also remain ongoing focal points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What business did the suspects claim to operate in Howrah?

Hamim Mondal and Maniruddin Mondal claimed to run a business printing barcodes, size stickers, and price tags for readymade garments from rented ground-floor flats on Alam Mistry Lane.

What prompted police action involving Minister Umesh Rai?

An associate of Minister Umesh Rai alleged that Hamim Mondal called himself a “Pakistani agent” and threatened to kidnap Rai’s son, leading Rai to file an official police complaint.

What did the STF raid on Sunday?

The Bengal Special Task Force raided multiple addresses in Pilkhana, Howrah, where suspect Hamim Mondal used to live.

Source: Based on reporting from Times of India.