Rapido rider arrested in Mumbai over suspected JeM links, ATS probes Pakistan contacts

Mumbai ATS arrests suspected JeM associate near Mahim station

The ATS's Kalachowki unit apprehended Akhtar near Mahim Metro station following a tip-off about his suspected activities, News agency IANS reported.

Investigators allege that Akhtar used his work as a Rapido rider and perfume seller as a cover while spreading extremist messages through social media. His daily work gave little indication of the activities now being examined by the authorities.

The ATS claims he used online platforms to circulate material that could create hostility between religious communities. The allegations are based on the agency's preliminary investigation, and his suspected links to the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation have yet to be established in court.

Masood Azhar speeches allegedly shared on Telegram

A major part of the investigation concerns Akhtar's alleged activity on Telegram, a messaging application that allows users to create groups and share messages, recordings and other content.

According to investigators, Akhtar administered a Telegram group where he allegedly uploaded audio recordings of speeches by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar on June 1. The recordings reportedly dealt with the Babri Masjid and other subjects that police believe could provoke communal hostility.

Akhtar was also allegedly an active subscriber to IBN-e-Qasim, a Telegram channel described by the ATS as Pakistan-backed and extremist.

Investigators have not disclosed how many people belonged to the group allegedly operated by Akhtar or how widely the recordings were circulated.

Jaish-e-Mohammed is designated as a terrorist organisation under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Suspected Pakistan intelligence contacts under investigation

The ATS is also examining Akhtar's suspected communication with Pakistani intelligence operatives.

The agency's preliminary investigation suggested that he was directly in contact with such operatives. However, details of the alleged conversations and the identities of the people involved have not been made public.

The agency is investigating whether these suspected contacts were connected to Akhtar's online activities. His alleged links with Pakistani intelligence have not been independently verified.

Instagram comment about PM Modi's security under scrutiny

Investigators have also identified an Instagram comment that Akhtar allegedly posted beneath a news report concerning a security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mumbai.

The ATS described the comment as threatening, objectionable and provocative. The exact wording of the alleged post has not been made public in the available reports.

Officers also claim to have found material on Akhtar's mobile phone that they consider anti-national. The reported findings have brought his digital communications under closer examination.

Case registered under BNS Section 196(1)

A case has been registered against Akhtar under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, following a complaint by an officer from the ATS's Kalachowki unit.

The provision deals with promoting hostility or hatred between different groups, including through electronic communication. A person convicted under this section can face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine or both.

The ATS is now attempting to identify others who may have helped operate or distribute content through the accounts under investigation.

Authorities have not publicly established whether Akhtar was acting independently or following instructions from members of Jaish-e-Mohammed. The available reports also do not establish his involvement in any planned terrorist attack.

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