Jaish-e-Mohammed links, Telegram posts, PM Modi remark: Why Mumbai Rapido rider was arrested
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 33-year-old Rapido rider in Mumbai's Mahim area over suspected links with the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and alleged circulation of extremist material on social media.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar, was arrested near Mahim Metro station by the ATS's Kalachowki unit following a tip-off. He also sold perfumes in Mahim, according to investigators.
The ATS is examining his links with JeM, his online activities and possible contacts with Pakistani intelligence operatives.
JeM material shared on Telegram
According to the ATS, Akhtar operated a Telegram group where audio clips of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar's speeches were shared. Investigators also found that he had subscribed to a Pakistan-backed extremist Telegram channel named 'IBN-e-Qasim', officials said.
The agency is examining the material recovered from his mobile phone and his activity across social media platforms. Investigators have also claimed that some of his posts promoted extremist ideology and could contribute to communal tensions.
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Comment on PM Modi under investigation
The ATS is also examining an inflammatory comment posted by Akhtar on a social media post concerning a security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mumbai.
According to investigators, the comment referred to the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and suggested that a similar incident should happen to Modi. The comment is among the digital material being examined in the case.
Investigators have seized Akhtar's mobile phone and are examining screenshots and other digital material linked to his online activity.
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Case registered under BNS
A case has been registered under Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with acts promoting enmity between different groups and those prejudicial to the maintenance of communal harmony.
The ATS is continuing its investigation to determine the extent of Akhtar's alleged links with JeM, establish the nature of his online activities and identify whether others were involved.
The allegations against Akhtar are part of an ongoing investigation.
Rapido denies accused was an active bike taxi driver
Rapido has disputed media reports describing Akhtar as a “Rapido bike taxi driver”, saying its records indicate that the individual had registered on the app in 2021 and that his profile had remained inactive for more than five years, assuming the reports refer to the same person.
In a statement, the company said it had conducted a comprehensive search of its database after learning of the reports, using the limited details available in the public domain. It also said it had discontinued bike taxi services in Maharashtra between 2023 and 2025.
Rapido said no investigating agency had approached it for information about the individual. The company added that it would extend full cooperation to the authorities upon receiving a formal request.
Calling the description inaccurate and damaging to the company and its driver community, Rapido urged authorities and media organisations to verify information with the platform before making public statements. It said unverified claims could affect the livelihoods and reputation of law-abiding drivers.