Maharashtra ATS arrests Rapido rider over suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed links
Mumbai: Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 33-year-old man from Mumbai’s Mahim area over suspected links to the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Investigators allege that Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar made inflammatory comments on social media, promoted radical ideas and was part of a Telegram group that shared audio clips of JeM chief Masood Azhar’s speeches.
Akhtar, who worked as a Rapido rider and sold perfumes, was apprehended near Mahim Metro station after the ATS received an intelligence tip-off. The agency’s Kalachowkie unit questioned him before handing him over to Mahim police, who arrested him on October 22.
ATS probes suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed links
According to sources, the ATS received information on October 21 that Akhtar was allegedly in contact with a Pakistani intelligence operative. Investigators examined his mobile phone and social media accounts.
According to the ATS complaint, Akhtar used Instagram and X to comment on religious and political issues between May 4 and October 18, 2026, Mumbai Mirror reported. Investigators alleged that some comments promoted hostility between communities.
Indira Gandhi assassination reference to PM Modi’s event
One post under scrutiny was allegedly published on September 8 from an Instagram account identified as @hasanshaikh6603. It appeared beneath a news post about a reported security lapse ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mumbai visit and referred to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination in connection with PM Modi, the complaint said.
‘Jihad’ comments online
The ATS also alleged that Akhtar posted comments calling for “jihad” in response to posts about sensitive issues, including disputes involving places of worship.
Masood Azhar audio clips
Investigators said Akhtar is an administator of a Telegram group with three members, including himself. The complaint alleges that two audio clips attributed to Masood Azhar were uploaded to the group on June 1, with one recording concerning the Babri Masjid.
The ATS also alleged that Akhtar subscribed to a channel it described as extremist and Pakistan-backed. Officers documented 39 screenshots of social media content and seized his phone for examination.
A preliminary review of his Facebook and WhatsApp accounts did not reveal objectionable posts or comments, according to the police account.
An FIR was registered under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with promoting enmity between groups.
“Police are investigating if anyone else was involved in the alleged online activity and are verifying the intelligence input about a suspected contact. The accused has been arrested and is currently in police custody,” said Kishore Pawar, senior police inspector of Mahim police station.