Lucknow, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Monday arrested 24-year-old Mohammad Zafar, alias Mohammad Zaheer, for his alleged links with Pakistan-based banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and suspected involvement in promoting jihadist propaganda and facilitating funds for the organisation.
According to the ATS, Zafar allegedly collected money in the name of a madrasa and circulated inflammatory and jihadi speeches attributed to JeM chief Masood Azhar on social media, with the purported aim of inciting people towards violent jihad.
The accused, a native of Bihar’s Purnia district, had previously studied at a madrasa in Meerut. The ATS said an examination of his social media activity revealed that he had shared speeches by Masood Azhar containing inflammatory and jihadi content.
During interrogation, investigators found that Zafar had learnt about Jaish-e-Mohammed during his studies and was influenced by material concerning jihad and the alleged martyrdom of mujahideen. The ATS said he was influenced by Masood Azhar and developed an aspiration to become a “mujahid”.
The agency also claimed to have recovered several Pakistani jihadi WhatsApp groups from his mobile phone, where discussions allegedly took place about jihad and fundraising.
The ATS said Zafar also made statements concerning jihad and the Caliphate on Facebook while keeping his face covered. He allegedly subsequently came into contact with Pakistani handlers and offered to assist their cause.
According to the agency, one Pakistani handler allegedly instructed him to prepare for travel to Pakistan. Zafar reportedly attempted to send money but the transaction did not succeed. He later sought a Binance account from the handler and, after contacting other Pakistani suspects, allegedly transferred funds on multiple occasions in USDT through Binance.
The ATS said Zafar confessed to the alleged offences during interrogation.
A case has been registered against him under Crime No. 13/2026, invoking Sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 18 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
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