Uttar Pradesh: The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is actively progressing with its investigation into Mohammad Zafar, an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist arrested in Meerut. The probe has revealed that the accused had allegedly been raising funds for the past five years. The ATS is now working to determine the total amount collected during this period and how much of it was funneled to the Pakistan-based terror network.
According to investigative agencies, Mohammad Zafar, a native of Bihar, arrived in Meerut around 2016-17. He studied at a madrasa there for approximately four years. During this time, he became influenced by the speeches and ideas of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar and allegedly began gravitating towards the terrorist organization’s ideology.
Preliminary ATS investigations indicate that Zafar had been raising funds for the organization for a long time. However, the total amount collected and the intended purpose of these funds remain unclear. The ATS is currently working to piece together the links within this entire network.
Sources state that the investigative agency is also scrutinizing the accused’s bank accounts. In particular, details regarding a bank account held in Bihar are being examined. The agency is trying to identify the sources of incoming funds, the recipients of outgoing transfers, and whether any transactions involved foreign contacts.
The ATS had recovered approximately ₹25,000 from the accused, Mohammad Zafar. Investigations are now underway regarding the source and intended use of this money. Officials believe that examining the recovered cash and bank transactions could yield crucial information.
Investigative agencies are also trying to determine whether Zafar was acting alone or if others were involved with him. To this end, his contacts, mobile records, and social media activities are being investigated. The agency is attempting to ascertain whom he contacted and the nature of the responsibilities assigned to him.
Following the ATS operation, security agencies have begun investigating his network, which extends to Meerut and Bihar. Officials believe that individuals who raise funds for terrorist organizations play a crucial role, as these organizations rely on such channels to finance their activities.
Security agencies have interrogated Mohammad Zafar following his arrest, and further action is being taken based on the information obtained during questioning. However, the agencies are refraining from drawing definitive conclusions until the investigation is complete.
Jaish-e-Mohammed has previously been linked to numerous terror incidents and plots in India. Security agencies have long kept a close watch on the organization’s network and have been taking action against individuals involved in suspicious activities.
According to ATS officials, the investigation is currently in its initial stages. Information regarding the accused’s financial network, contacts, and other associates linked to the organization is being gathered. Further revelations are expected in the coming days based on the investigation’s findings.
For now, the key question is how much money Mohammad Zafar raised over the past five years and whether those funds were actually utilized for terrorist activities. The full picture will emerge only after the ATS submits its investigation report and further action is taken.
