In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (UP ATS) arrested a 24-year-old man from Bihar on Sunday, August 16, for his operational links with the proscribed Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). According to investigative agencies, the young man was actively collecting donations disguised as religious charity for a madrasa while attempting to channel those funds across the border to Pakistan to finance jihadist operations inside India.

The suspect has been formally identified as Mohammad Zafar, hailing from Mirganj village under the jurisdiction of the Rauta police station in Bihar’s Purnia district. Officials confirmed that the arrest was executed in Meerut after actionable intelligence alerted security agencies to an individual raising illicit funds under the pretext of madrasa welfare and trying to transfer the capital to a Pakistan-based terror syndicate.

Investigators Detail Jaish Chief’s Ideological Influence on Zafar

Following the operation, the UP ATS released an official press note on Monday, August 17, detailing how forensic analysis of Zafar’s digital footprint unraveled his radicalisation. The investigation revealed that he had been consistently sharing vitriolic, inflammatory, and violent speeches by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar across social media networks in an active effort to recruit and incite local youth toward violent jihad.

Zafar had previously resided and studied at an Islamic seminary in Meerut. During his formal custodial interrogation, he confessed to ATS detectives that he first encountered the ideology and structure of Jaish-e-Mohammed during his student days at the madrasa. He told investigators that continuous exposure to extremist literature celebrating the “martyrdom” of armed militants deeply influenced his worldview, creating an ambition to transform himself into a active “mujahid” under the ideological guidance of Masood Azhar.

A forensic examination of Zafar’s smartphone uncovered active memberships in several Pakistan-based extremist WhatsApp groups. Within these encrypted groups, members routinely coordinated fundraising mechanisms and engaged in discussions centered on armed conflict and violent jihad.

Detectives also discovered that Zafar operated a personal Facebook profile where he routinely broadcast messages advocating armed jihad and the establishment of a “khilafat” while keeping his physical identity concealed behind face coverings. The UP ATS stated that as his radicalisation deepened, he formally integrated himself into a JeM-linked terror cell, establishing direct two-way communication with an overseas handler stationed in Pakistan and volunteering his logistical and operational assistance for cross-border terror activities.

Cryptocurrency Channels Used to Funnel Illicit Terror Finances

The financial investigation into Zafar’s dealings revealed a sophisticated, multi-tier funding pipeline. According to the ATS, the Pakistani handler initially supplied Zafar with standard Pakistani banking credentials to receive direct cross-border wire transfers. However, when conventional banking systems failed to process the international transactions, alternate channels were established.

To bypass financial scrutiny, Zafar requested a Binance cryptocurrency wallet account from his handler. Once connected with additional Pakistani terror operatives, he executed multiple digital asset transactions using USDT (Tether cryptocurrency) to send operational funding across the border. Investigators noted that Zafar admitted to these financial transactions and digital activities during his questioning. Counter-terror teams are presently mapping his extensive contact directory, digital ledgers, and transaction histories to identify other domestic accomplices and domestic sleeper units.

Formal charges have been filed against Zafar under Sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Sections 18 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. He was remanded to judicial custody after being produced before a designated court in Lucknow.

Wider Multi-State Crackdown on Cross-Border Terror Networks

Zafar’s apprehension is part of an expansive, coordinated counter-terrorism drive by Indian security establishments against covert networks run by Pakistan-based handlers.

Earlier on July 24, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Assam Police dismantled a cross-border module linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network, as documented by reports in The Hindu. Raids spanning Dhubri, Chirang, and Barpeta districts led to the arrest of three operatives: Akramul Islam, Aminur Rahman, and Abdul Hussain.

The Assam STF noted that this syndicate handled online recruitment, digital radicalisation, reconnaissance of vital targets, covert logistics, espionage, illicit arms procurement, and sleeper-cell management. Handlers in Pakistan directed the module via encrypted communication apps. Seizures from the suspects included five mobile phones, seven SIM cards, government identity credentials, bank passbooks, debit cards, and sensitive operational documents. This crackdown expanded on earlier operations in Nalbari, where an operative was apprehended in May, enabling agencies to trace the network's footprint throughout the Northeast.

Gujarat ATS Dismantles Eight-Member Jaish-e-Mohammed Sleeper Unit

Earlier in July, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad executed a multi-location operation that led to the arrest of eight Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Seven suspects were detained across Gujarat, while an eighth accomplice was captured in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, on July 2.

Investigators found that the cell had been working methodically for six months to build an active operational footprint for JeM within Gujarat. The suspects used diverse digital platforms to spread radical extremist propaganda and draw recruits into the fold.

The Gujarat module maintained direct contact with Pakistani handlers and was tasked with translating extremist JeM propaganda and literature into regional Gujarati to maximize local outreach. Raids led to the confiscation of 254 pieces of extremist literature, including official flags and insignia of Jaish-e-Mohammed. The accused were booked under the UAPA and BNS for raising funds, conspiracy, belonging to a terrorist outfit, and supporting an outlawed organization.

Special Cell Uncovers ISI-Underworld Sabotage Plot in New Delhi

In another major intelligence-led breakthrough in May, the Delhi Police Special Cell dismantled a terror network comprising nine individuals with deep operational ties to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the underworld syndicate of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

Investigators revealed that the module was planning coordinated strikes against strategic installations and security personnel across Delhi, Mumbai, and other major metropolitan areas. The suspects, hailing from Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, and foreign jurisdictions, were apprehended alongside caches of illegal arms and live ammunition. Central agencies continue to trace their foreign financing channels, covert logistics pipelines, and broader global command structures.

The arrest of Mohammad Zafar in Meerut underscores an ongoing operational pattern where hostile cross-border elements deploy digital radicalisation, encrypted chats, and decentralized cryptocurrency networks to build homegrown terror modules.