Mumbai: Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 33-year-old man from Mahim area of Mumbai. The accused has been identified as Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar. The investigating agency suspects him of having alleged links with the banned terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and spreading inflammatory material through social media. Along with driving Rapido bike taxi, the accused also worked as a perfume seller. Police are now investigating his mobile phone, social media accounts and alleged contacts.
Where was the accused caught?
According to reports, the Kalachowki unit of Maharashtra ATS took action near Mahim metro station after receiving a tip-off. After this, the accused was taken into custody and interrogated and on October 22, a case was registered against him and he was arrested.
The investigating agency suspects that along with his daily job, the accused was also sharing material related to radical ideology on online platforms. However, his alleged terrorist links can be confirmed only after the investigation is completed and the available evidence is evaluated.
What is Telegram accused of sharing?
According to ATS, during the investigation into the Telegram activities of the accused, audio clips related to the speeches of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar came to light. It is alleged that these clips contained sensitive issues including Babri Masjid and were shared in a Telegram group.
The investigators have also claimed that the accused was associated with a Pakistani fundamentalist Telegram channel named ‘IBN-e-Qasim’. The agency is trying to find out through these digital activities who the accused was in contact with and whether other persons also have a role in this case.
Are posts related to Prime Minister Modi also under investigation?
The investigating agency is also probing the alleged inflammatory comments made on the Instagram and X accounts of the accused. According to reports, one comment was made on the news related to the alleged security lapse that came to light ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mumbai. There is an allegation of reference being made in this to the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
ATS is also investigating what kind of content related to violence and jihad the accused allegedly shared on social media. The context of these posts, their actual content and the role of the accused are part of the investigation.
What information did you get from the mobile phone?
According to officials, the Redmi Note 14 Pro mobile phone of the accused has been seized. 39 screenshots related to social media activities have also been preserved for investigation. The agency is trying to link the alleged contacts and online activities by analysing digital evidence.
A case has been registered against the accused under section 196(1) of the Indian Judicial Code (BNS). This section deals with acts prejudicial to harmony and promoting enmity between different groups on the basis of religion, language and other grounds. The investigation into the case is ongoing and the charges against the accused are still subject to judicial process.
