Maharashtra ATS Arrests 33-Year-Old Linked to JeM in Mumbai
A man suspected of ties to Jaish-e-Mohammed was arrested in Mumbai, accused of spreading radical ideology through social media.
Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar, 33, was arrested in Mahim for alleged JeM connections.
He reportedly used social media to disseminate inflammatory content and operated a Telegram group.
This arrest follows a previous investigation by Gujarat ATS into a terror module linked to JeM.
In a significant development, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) apprehended a 33-year-old man in Mumbai's Mahim area on October 24, 2026, over suspected affiliations with the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The suspect, identified as Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar, was taken into custody by the Kalachowki unit of the ATS near the Mahim Metro station following a tip-off regarding his activities.
Investigators allege that Akhtar utilized his roles as a Rapido rider and a perfume seller as a facade to propagate extremist ideologies. The ATS claims he was actively involved in spreading communal hatred and anti-national sentiments via various social media platforms. During the investigation, officials recovered materials from his mobile phone that are purportedly linked to these activities.
The agency revealed that Akhtar managed a Telegram group where he allegedly shared inflammatory audio speeches from JeM leader Maulana Masood Azhar, particularly concerning sensitive topics like the Babri Masjid. Furthermore, he was reportedly an active participant in a Pakistan-backed extremist Telegram channel named 'IBN-e-Qasim'. This arrest is part of a broader investigation, following the Gujarat ATS's detention of five individuals in July, who were also suspected of being connected to JeM.
The previous arrests included suspects from Khadiyal village in Gujarat's Patan district, who were implicated in a terror module investigation. Public Prosecutor P.R. Dantani stated that custodial interrogation of the suspects was crucial to uncover the details of their alleged activities, including attempts to create explosive devices. Investigators are still in pursuit of bomb-making materials and literature linked to JeM that may have been concealed by the accused.
Looking ahead, the Maharashtra ATS is expected to continue its investigation into Akhtar's activities and connections. Officials are keen to determine the sources of the materials recovered and the extent of the network involved in disseminating extremist ideologies. The implications of this case could resonate beyond Maharashtra, as law enforcement agencies remain vigilant against the threats posed by radical groups operating within India.
