Mumbai: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 33-year-old man from Mahim for suspected links with Pakistan-based banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Investigators are also checking whether he was in touch with Pakistani intelligence operatives.
The accused has been identified as Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar. Officials from the ATS’s Kalachowki unit said he was held near Mahim Metro station after they received information about his online activities.
Investigators said a check of his mobile phone found provocative social-media posts and audio clips of JeM chief Masood Azhar. They believe his alleged links to the outfit came to light through his online activity, including a Telegram group.
The ATS has booked Akhtar under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with promoting enmity between religious or other groups, as reported by Hindustan Times. Officials said he is being questioned to find out more about his alleged contacts and whether others were involved.
News agency ANI reported that his suspected communication with Pakistani intelligence operatives is also being examined. Further details have not been disclosed.
Gujarat Case
The arrest comes months after the Gujarat ATS held eight people for allegedly trying to expand JeM’s presence in the state. Seven of them were from Gujarat and one from Madhya Pradesh.
The Gujarat agency alleged that the group wanted to set up an active JeM module, recruit members and spread the outfit’s ideology. It said the accused contacted people across India and urged them to join the banned outfit, a process called Dawat.
Investigators also alleged that the group formed an outfit named “Darul Islam Gujarat Jaish-e-Mohammed”, translated JeM material from Urdu into Gujarati, and was in touch with Pakistan-based handlers Abdullah and Mohammad Umar. The Gujarat ATS alleged that they were part of a conspiracy to carry out terrorist acts in the state.