Mumbai ATS Arrests Man Over Alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed Links, Probes Pakistan Connection

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 33-year-old man from Mumbai’s Mahim area for his alleged links to Pakistan-based banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Investigators are also probing possible communications between the accused and Pakistani intelligence operatives.

The accused, Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar, came under the scanner following an examination of his social media activity and participation in a Telegram group. A forensic analysis of his mobile phone reportedly revealed inflammatory posts and audio clips featuring JeM chief Masood Azhar. The ATS has registered a case against him under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The arrest comes months after the Gujarat ATS arrested eight people in July for allegedly attempting to establish a JeM network in Gujarat through recruitment, dissemination of extremist literature and contact with Pakistan-based handlers.