The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 33-year-old man from Mumbai's Mahim area over suspected links with the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), investigators said on Saturday.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar, was detained by the ATS's Kalachowki unit near Mahim Metro station after a specific intelligence tip-off. A case was registered against him on October 22 under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which covers promoting enmity between groups.
According to investigators, Akhtar worked as a Rapido bike-taxi rider during the day and also sold perfumes, while allegedly using social media and messaging platforms to circulate material linked to extremist ideology.
Telegram groups and alleged posts under scrutiny
The ATS is examining Akhtar's alleged role in operating a Telegram group in which audio speeches attributed to JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar were shared on June 1, 2026, including material concerning the Babri Masjid. Investigators also say he subscribed to a Pakistan-backed extremist Telegram channel called "IBN-e-Qasim" and was in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives.
Police say they seized a Redmi Note 14 Pro mobile phone and secured 39 screenshots of his social media activity as evidence. Among the posts under investigation are messages in which he allegedly wrote "Ab jihad ka zamana aa gaya hai" — "the era of jihad has arrived" — and urged people to take up arms.
Investigators also flagged a comment he allegedly made on a post about a security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mumbai, in which he suggested that what was done to former prime minister Indira Gandhi should also be done to Modi — a remark police are treating as an incitement to assassination.
A double life, say neighbours
Akhtar had lived in a rented flat in Mahim for about three and a half years, according to neighbours, who said they knew him as a perfume seller and had no idea of the allegations against him.
The ATS said it received specific input on October 21 that a Mahim resident was in touch with a Pakistani intelligence operative, and detained Akhtar the same day. The investigation is continuing, and the agency is examining his digital communications to establish the nature and extent of his alleged involvement and whether other people played a role.
The allegations are under investigation, and Akhtar's guilt has not been established in court.