Mumbai ATS arrests Rapido rider over suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed links
Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad uncovers alleged terror propaganda and social media posts referencing prime minister's security.
In a swift operation demonstrating proactive law enforcement, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has neutralized a potential security threat in Mumbai by apprehending a 33-year-old ride-hail driver over suspected ties to the banned Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
The suspect, identified by police as Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar, was detained near Mahim Metro station after intelligence units flagged potential communication with foreign operatives. Akhtar, originally from Bihar, had been living in Mumbai for roughly a decade, working as a bike-taxi rider for Rapido and selling perfumes near Baba Falooda in Mahim. Following initial questioning by the ATS Kalachowkie unit, he was handed over to the Mahim police and remanded to custody by a local court.
Extremist content and social media monitoring
State counter-terrorism officers acted on specific intelligence received on 21 October suggesting the suspect was in contact with a Pakistani intelligence operative. A technical examination of his mobile phone revealed audio recordings attributed to JeM founder Masood Azhar, along with active involvement in radical online channels.
Investigators documented digital records across multiple social media platforms to build their case.
| Platform | Account or Channel Type | Documented Activity |
|---|---|---|
| @hasanshaikh6603 | Inflammatory comments on sensitive sites and PM security | |
| Telegram | 3-member admin group | Uploaded Masood Azhar speeches on Babri Masjid |
| Telegram | Foreign channels | Subscribed to Pakistan-backed radical content |
| X (Twitter) | Personal profile | Posts calling for communal hostility |
Among the posts under scrutiny was a comment published on 8 September beneath a news report concerning security arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mumbai. According to the police complaint, the post referenced the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in connection with PM Modi.
Proactive enforcement and legal proceedings
The Mahim police registered a case under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which penalises promoting enmity between different groups and committing acts prejudicial to social harmony. Police seized the suspect's mobile device and documented 39 screenshots of inflammatory online activity.
Mahim Police Senior Inspector Kishore Pawar confirmed that the accused remains in custody while officers verify intelligence inputs regarding foreign contacts and investigate whether additional individuals were involved in the online network.
Counter-terrorism authorities emphasised that early intervention prevented potential radicalisation efforts, demonstrating the vigilance and effectiveness of Maharashtra's security apparatus in preserving public order.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age of accused | 33 | Maharashtra Police |
| BNS Section applied | 196(1) | Mahim Police FIR |
| Documented evidence screenshots | 39 | Maharashtra ATS |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Jaish-e-Mohammed | Banned Pakistan-based terror group linked to the suspect's online propaganda. |
| Mahim | Mumbai neighbourhood where the suspect lived and was arrested. |
| Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar | Suspect arrested over alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed ties and provocative social media posts. |
| Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad | State counter-terrorism agency that tracked and detained the suspect. |
