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Maharashtra ATS arrests a Mumbai man over suspected links with Jaish-e-Mohammed (Img: X)
Maharashtra: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 33-year-old Mumbai resident over suspected links with the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and allegedly inflammatory social media posts targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar, a resident of Mahim, was detained near Mahim Metro Station following a tip-off, according to the reported investigation.
Officials allege that Akhtar worked as a Rapido driver and sold perfumes while engaging in radical online activities. Investigators are also examining his alleged contact with a Pakistani intelligence operation.
According to the allegations, Akhtar shared audio clips attributed to JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar in a Telegram group called 'Indian Muslim'. The content reportedly included references to the Babri Masjid. Investigators also found that he had subscribed to a Pakistani Telegram channel named 'IBN E Qasim'.
His activity on X and Instagram is also under scrutiny. Authorities allege that his posts promoted jihad and included threatening remarks about Prime Minister Modi, including a comment that appeared to allude to the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The ATS reportedly seized a Redmi Note 14 Pro smartphone and collected 39 screenshots of the alleged social media activity as part of its investigation.
Akhtar has been booked under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds including religion.
According to the reports , Akhtar had lived in a rented flat in the area for around three to three-and-a-half years. The neighbour said he had not suspected any involvement in such activities.
The arrest comes days after a shooting incident involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff and his team in Mumbai. A suspect in that case had reportedly worked as a Rapido rider and allegedly conducted surveillance in upscale neighbourhoods.
Also Read: Mumbai Crime Branch Intensifies Tiger Shroff Firing Probe With Fresh Arrests in Haryana
Rapido said the individual had not been active as a captain on its platform since October 14 and had used the service as a customer on the day of the incident.
Separately, the Gujarat ATS detained five people in July during an investigation into an alleged terror module linked to JeM.
