Mumbai ATS arrests Rapido rider Mohd Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar for Jaish-e-Mohammed links, pro-Jihad posts

The Maharashtra ATS arrested 33-year-old Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar near Mahim Metro Station in Mumbai after receiving a tip-off about his online activities. Investigators are examining his links to Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), its propaganda network and possible contacts with Pakistani intelligence operatives.

NewsBharati    24-Oct-2026 14:14:49 PM
Total Views |
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), through its Kalachowki unit, arrested Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar near Mahim Metro Station on October 21-22, 2026. The 33-year-old, originally from Bihar, had been living in Mumbai for around a decade.

Mumbai ATS
Maharashtra ATS intensifies its crackdown on terror networks and suspected links to Pakistan-based organisations, (Image Source: Republic Network)

Akhtar worked as a Rapido bike-taxi rider and also sold perfumes near Baba Falooda in Mahim. Investigators are examining whether he used his online activities to promote extremist propaganda and maintain links with members or supporters of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.
 
Following his arrest, Akhtar was produced before a court and remanded to police custody for questioning. The ATS is examining his digital communications, social media activity and possible links with other individuals involved in extremist activities.
 
Pro-Jihad posts and threatening remarks against PM Modi
 
According to the investigation, Akhtar was active on Instagram and X between May 4 and October 18, 2026. His posts and comments reportedly included calls for jihad, references to weapons and remarks promoting hostility between communities.
 
Investigators have preserved around 39 screenshots of the material as evidence. The posts are being examined to establish the extent of his involvement in promoting extremist ideology and whether his online activity was connected to a wider network.
 
 
One Instagram comment attributed to an account linked to Akhtar, reportedly posted around September 8, referred to a security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mumbai. The comment invoked the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi while referring to Modi, prompting investigators to examine the nature and intent of the remark.
 
The ATS is also investigating whether the social media activity was limited to online propaganda or formed part of a broader effort to encourage extremist sentiment and violence.
 
Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's speeches shared on Telegram
 
Investigators have also identified Akhtar's activity on Telegram, where he administered a group with at least two other members.
 
On June 1, 2026, two audio speeches attributed to Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar were uploaded to the group. One of the speeches reportedly discussed the Babri Masjid and other sensitive issues.
The ATS is examining the group's membership, the origin of the audio files and the purpose behind sharing the speeches. The investigation seeks to establish whether the group was being used to circulate JeM propaganda or connect individuals with the organisation's extremist messaging.
 
Akhtar was also identified as an active subscriber to a Pakistan-backed extremist Telegram channel known as 'IBN-e-Qasim' or 'Ibn-e-Qasim'. Investigators are examining the channel's content and its connection, if any, to the accused's online activity.
 
Pakistani intelligence links under investigation
 
The ATS is probing possible contacts between Akhtar and Pakistani intelligence operatives. Information received before his arrest indicated potential links, and investigators are now working to establish the nature and extent of these contacts.
 
Officials are also examining whether Akhtar communicated with other individuals involved in extremist activities, received instructions from foreign handlers or was connected to a larger network operating in India.
 
The possibility of links to a sleeper-cell network is also under investigation. The findings from his seized mobile phone and other digital material are expected to help investigators establish whether his activities involved coordination with people beyond Mumbai.
 
Case registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
 
A case has been registered against Akhtar under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds including religion and acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony.
 
Preliminary checks of his WhatsApp and Facebook accounts reportedly did not reveal objectionable material. However, the forensic examination of his seized mobile phone and other digital evidence is continuing.
 
Investigators are examining the material collected from social media platforms and messaging applications to establish the extent of his activities and identify any additional offences or associates.
  
The arrest comes amid investigations into individuals suspected of links with Jaish-e-Mohammed and its propaganda networks. The ATS is focusing on digital evidence, possible foreign contacts and the identification of other people who may have participated in or supported the activities under investigation.
 
Akhtar remains in custody and is being questioned as investigators work to establish the full extent of his online activities and possible connections with Pakistan-based networks.
 
The central focus of the investigation remains his reported pro-jihad posts, the circulation of JeM chief Masood Azhar's speeches and possible cross-border contacts.