Mumbai, Sept 9: The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested a 45-year-old security guard from Jammu and Kashmir in connection with an investigation into alleged threat calls and voice messages issued from a Pakistan-based phone number, officials said.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Sharif, is a native of Jammu and Kashmir and has been living in Mumbai for the past few years. He was working as a security guard in the city.
The case came to light after a Mumbai resident allegedly received threatening WhatsApp calls and voice messages from a number linked to Pakistan. During the investigation, the Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) found that Sharif had been in contact with the Pakistan-based number.
Police examined Sharif’s mobile phone and reportedly found conversations and other communications with the person using the number. He was subsequently detained and questioned before being formally arrested.
The investigation comes in the wake of a demolition in Mumbai’s Bandra area, following which a threat was allegedly received from a Pakistan-based number. The Crime Branch is probing whether Sharif’s communication with the person in Pakistan was connected to the alleged threat.
Investigators are examining whether Sharif had any direct or indirect role in the threatening calls and messages. They are also working to establish the identity and motive of the person allegedly operating the Pakistan-based number.
The probe has gained further significance after police learnt that Sharif’s father resides in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Investigators are verifying whether this connection has any bearing on the case and are examining his contacts in Pakistan.
The Crime Branch is analysing the communication trail, including the content and frequency of conversations, along with other digital evidence, to determine the nature of Sharif’s alleged link with the Pakistan-based individual.
Police are also investigating how the contact was established and whether the communication was directly connected to the threats received by the Mumbai resident.
Sharif is being questioned as investigators examine the available digital evidence and other aspects of the case. Police are also looking into the possibility of involvement of other individuals.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses and the alleged links, identities and motives behind the threats are established.
