A 33-year-old man Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar working as a Rapido driver in Mumbai has been arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) over suspected links with the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), allegedly radical social media activity, and posts containing provocative remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported in NDTV.
The accused is a resident of Mahim in Mumbai. He was reportedly apprehended near Mahim Metro Station following a tip-off received by the ATS.
According to the investigating agency, Akhtar worked as a Rapido driver and sold perfumes while allegedly using these activities as a cover to propagate radical ideology. Investigators also suspect that he was in contact with a Pakistani intelligence operation.
Radical Social Media Activity Under Investigation
According to the investigation, Akhtar allegedly used social media platforms to promote religious enmity and share extremist content. He reportedly circulated audio clips attributed to JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar concerning the Babri Masjid through Telegram.
The clips were allegedly shared in a Telegram group named Indian Muslim. Investigators also found that Akhtar had subscribed to a Pakistani Telegram channel called IBN E Qasim, which they described as radical.
On X and Instagram, the accused allegedly published multiple provocative posts, including calls for jihad and content that appeared to encourage violence.
In one post responding to a discussion about a security breach in Mumbai ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, Akhtar allegedly referred to the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi while suggesting that something similar should have been done to Modi.
The post is being examined as part of the investigation into his alleged extremist activities and threats against the Prime Minister.
Mobile Phone Seized, Social Media Posts Examined
The ATS has reportedly seized a Redmi Note 14 Pro mobile phone belonging to Akhtar. Investigators have also collected 39 screenshots documenting his allegedly objectionable social media activity.
Akhtar has been booked under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds including religion, race and other specified characteristics.
The investigation is examining his alleged links with extremist networks, his online activities and the nature of his suspected contacts with Pakistani intelligence.
Neighbour Expresses Shock Over Arrest
Speaking to IANS, a neighbour said Akhtar had been living in a rented flat in the locality for approximately three to three-and-a-half years.
The neighbour reportedly said he had regularly seen Akhtar sitting outside and had spoken to him on several occasions. He knew the accused as someone who sold perfumes and worked elsewhere at night, and said he had never suspected that Akhtar could be involved in such activities.
However, the neighbour maintained that anyone found guilty of betraying the country should face punishment.
Arrest Comes Amid Separate Attack on Tiger Shroff
Akhtar’s arrest comes days after a shooting incident involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai. According to reports citing sources, one of the accused in that case was allegedly associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and had worked as a Rapido rider.
Investigators reportedly suspected that the individual had used his work to conduct surveillance in upscale neighbourhoods where Bollywood celebrities reside.
Rapido subsequently clarified that the individual had not been active as a captain on its platform since October 14. The company also stated that, on the day of the incident, the individual had used Rapido’s services as a customer.
The company expressed concern over the incident and said it was relieved that Shroff and his team were safe.
In July, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad detained five people during an investigation into an alleged terror module suspected of having links to Jaish-e-Mohammed.
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