The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 24-year-old Bihar resident in Meerut for his alleged links with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and suspected attempts to transfer money to handlers in Pakistan.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Zafar, son of Mohammad Zaheer, is a resident of Mirganj village in Purnia district, Bihar. He was arrested on August 16 and booked under Case No. 13/2026.
According to the ATS, Zafar was allegedly collecting donations in the name of a madrasa and attempting to send the money to Pakistan for activities linked to violent jihad in India.
ATS Alleges Links With Pakistan-Based Handlers
The investigation began after the ATS received intelligence that money collected as madrasa donations was allegedly being transferred to a Pakistan-based terrorist network.
The agency said its investigation found that Zafar had joined a JeM-linked WhatsApp group and established contact with a Pakistani handler.
“Zafar had also joined a JeM-linked group and established contact with a Pakistani handler,” an ATS officer said.
According to the agency, the handler initially provided Zafar with details of a Pakistani bank account for transferring money. When the transaction could not be completed, Zafar allegedly turned to cryptocurrency.
The ATS said the accused attempted or made cryptocurrency transfers worth more than $5,000, or over ₹4 lakh, in USDT.
Social Media Activity Under Scanner
The ATS also examined Zafar’s social media accounts and mobile phone during the investigation.
According to the agency, investigators found several Pakistan-based WhatsApp groups on his phone, including conversations allegedly related to violence and the collection and transfer of funds.
The ATS further alleged that Zafar was influenced by JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar and regularly shared his speeches and other material on social media.
The agency claimed that some of the content allegedly promoted jihad and the establishment of a caliphate. Investigators also found posts in which Zafar allegedly appeared with his face covered.
Zafar Studied At Madrasa In Meerut
According to the ATS, Zafar had previously lived in Meerut and studied at a madrasa there. He reportedly obtained a Maulvi degree from the madrasa in 2022 and returned to Meerut around two months before his arrest.
The agency alleged that he became influenced by material about jihad and the alleged “martyrdom” of militants associated with JeM.
These claims are part of the ATS investigation and will have to be established through further investigation and legal proceedings.
Investigation Into Money Trail Continues
The ATS has booked Zafar under Sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Sections 18 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Investigators are now examining the alleged money trail, cryptocurrency transactions, social media activity and Zafar’s contacts with people in Pakistan.
The agency is also investigating whether other individuals were involved in collecting donations or transferring funds and whether the money allegedly raised in the name of a madrasa ultimately reached Pakistan-based handlers.
The allegations against Zafar are based on the ATS investigation, intelligence inputs and material it says was recovered during the probe.
