The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested a suspected operative allegedly linked to Pakistan-based terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), accusing him of attempting to send funds to the
outfit under the guise of collecting donations for madrasas.
The accused has been identified as 24-year-old Mohammed Zafar, son of Mohammed Zaheer, a resident of Purnia in Bihar. He was arrested by the UP ATS on August 16, 2026.
According to the ATS, Zafar was allegedly involved in collecting money in the name of madrasas and attempting to transfer the funds to a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.
Zafar was influenced by speeches of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and other jihadist sermons. He allegedly used social media platforms to circulate messages related to jihad and the establishment of a caliphate, and attempted to influence people towards violent jihad, the ATS said.
Investigators also found that the accused was allegedly a member of several WhatsApp groups associated with Pakistani jihadist networks. The ATS said he came into contact with a Pakistani handler after joining a jihadist group linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The agency further alleged that Zafar used business accounts and accounts belonging to suspected individuals to make multiple money transfers through UPI.
During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to the offences, according to the ATS.
A case has been registered against Zafar under Sections 152(1) and 152(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 18 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The ATS is continuing its investigation to establish the extent of the accused’s links with the Pakistan-based network, the alleged financial transactions and the people he may have been in contact with.
