Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 33-year-old man in Mumbai’s Mahim area over suspected links to the banned terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and allegedly inflammatory social media activity.

The accused, Mohammed Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar, was apprehended near Mahim Metro Station by the ATS’s Kalachowki unit following a tip-off. According to investigators, he worked as a Rapido rider and sold perfumes, allegedly using these occupations as a cover while promoting radical views online.

Inflammatory Posts Under Investigation

The ATS alleges that Akhtar used multiple social media accounts to spread communal hostility and incite anti-national sentiments. Investigators reportedly recovered material described as anti-national from his mobile phone.

Comments allegedly linked to his accounts included calls for jihad and remarks urging Muslims to possess and use weapons. One post reportedly stated, “Jihad karo bhai log Allah ke liye,” in response to content concerning efforts to save the Shahi Mosque.

Investigators also flagged a comment on an Instagram post about security arrangements ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mumbai. According to the investigation, the comment appeared to refer to an attack on the Prime Minister similar to the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed Links

The ATS is also investigating Akhtar’s alleged Telegram activity. According to the agency, he uploaded audio speeches by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar to a Telegram group on June 1, 2026. The speeches allegedly discussed various issues, including the Babri Masjid.

The agency further alleges that Akhtar was an active member of a Pakistan-backed extremist Telegram channel named ‘IBN-e-Qasim’. Investigators are examining his online activities and suspected links to the banned organisation.