A 32‑year‑old app‑based motorbike taxi driver from Mumbai’s Mahim neighbourhood was taken into custody by the Maharashtra Anti‑Terrorist Squad (ATS) after authorities linked his online activity to the Pakistan‑based extremist group Jaish‑e‑Mohammed (JeM). The suspect, identified as Mohammad Hassan Abu Sarmad Akhtar, was later handed over to the Mahim police station for further investigation. While the ATS confirmed that the content he posted was deemed objectionable, the squad also reported that no direct contact with any Pakistani intelligence operative could be established, describing the individual as acting alone.
Arrest and Initial Interrogation
According to police statements, the Maharashtra ATS received a specific tip on October 21 indicating that a resident of Mahim might be in communication with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO). Acting on this intelligence, the ATS detained Akhtar for questioning. During the interrogation, investigators examined his mobile devices, which revealed activity on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as participation in multiple online groups. The ATS concluded that the suspect’s digital footprint showed no evidence of communication with entities based in Pakistan. Consequently, the squad transferred custody of Akhtar to the local Mahim police station, noting that his actions appeared limited to the dissemination of online material.
Content Posted and Legal Charges
Police reports detail that Akhtar used his social media accounts to share a range of material that authorities classified as inflammatory. Among the posts were videos featuring Maulana Masood Azhar, the founder and head of Jaish‑e‑Mohammed, as well as comments that called for “Jihad”. The suspect also posted remarks under a post concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi that were described as “objectionable”. Further, investigators said Akhtar authored several other messages that could potentially widen communal divisions, suggesting an intent to create a rift between two communities. Based on these activities, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a provision that addresses the promotion of enmity between groups.
Investigation Findings and Transfer to Local Police
The Maharashtra ATS emphasized that, despite the seriousness of the content shared, its inquiry did not uncover any tangible link between Akhtar and Pakistan‑based extremist networks. While the suspect had joined certain groups described by the police as “extremist and Pakistan‑backed”, the ATS found no direct evidence of coordination or instruction from abroad. The squad’s assessment was that Akhtar operated independently, using digital platforms to circulate material that authorities deemed capable of inciting communal tension. After completing its interrogation and forensic analysis, the ATS formally handed the case to the Mahim police station, where local investigators will continue to pursue the matter under the legal framework provided by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The arrest underscores the ongoing vigilance of Indian law‑enforcement agencies in monitoring online content that may threaten communal harmony. By focusing on the digital traces left by individuals, the Maharashtra ATS aims to preempt the spread of extremist propaganda, even when no foreign operational link is established. The case remains open as local police continue their investigation, and the legal process will determine the final outcome based on the charges outlined in the FIR.
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