Mumbai ATS Arrests 33-Year-Old Over Suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed Links
Mumbai ATS has arrested 33-year-old Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar from Mahim over suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed links. Investigators are examining alleged inflammatory posts, Telegram audio recordings and possible contacts with Pakistani intelligence-linked individuals.
According to the ATS, an examination of the accused’s mobile phone and social media accounts allegedly revealed inflammatory posts, messages supporting jihad and audio recordings of speeches by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Investigators are pursuing further inquiries based on these digital materials.
The investigation reportedly found that Akhtar was active on Instagram and X. The ATS has alleged that his posts supported jihad and that he circulated messages intended to encourage certain individuals within the Muslim community to take up arms. Investigators have also found that he allegedly operated a Telegram group.
According to the allegations, audio recordings of inflammatory speeches by Masood Azhar concerning the Babri Mosque and other subjects were uploaded to the accused’s Telegram group on June 1, 2026. He was also reportedly an active member of the Telegram channel ‘IBN-e-Qasim’, which is associated with a pro-Pakistan extremist ideology.
Akhtar was reportedly working as a Rapido rider and was also engaged in the business of selling perfumes. He has additionally been accused of posting an objectionable comment on a news report published about alleged security lapses during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mumbai on September 8, 2026.
A case has been registered against the accused under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The ATS is investigating whether he had contacts with individuals linked to Pakistani intelligence agencies and whether other people were involved in the case.
The investigation is focused on the alleged digital activities, online communications and suspected organisational links of the accused, with the ATS continuing its inquiry into the possibility of further involvement in the case.

Comment List