Mumbai Crime Branch has widened its investigation into the threat case involving businessman Imtiaz Khatri and is now probing a possible Pakistan and terror connection.
The Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) has arrested 45-year-old Mohammed Sharif, who is originally from Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir and had been living and working in Maharashtra for several years.
Khatri had allegedly received threatening WhatsApp calls and voice notes from a Pakistan-based number after he publicly praised the government’s demolition action in Mumbai’s Bandra Garib Nagar area.
During the investigation, the Crime Branch allegedly found a link between Sharif and a person based in Pakistan. Police sources said an examination of Sharif’s mobile phone revealed details of his alleged conversations and contact with the Pakistan-based person.
Sharif was questioned, detained and later arrested. He was produced before a court, which remanded him to Crime Branch custody till September 13.
Family Members Under Scanner
The investigation has now taken a more serious turn after information surfaced about Sharif’s family members allegedly having links with terror groups.
Sources said Sharif’s father and one of his brothers live in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), and their alleged links to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are being verified by investigators. Another brother is also allegedly connected to Hizbul Mujahideen, according to sources.
The Crime Branch is now trying to establish whether Sharif was in regular contact with his father and brothers and whether he received any instructions or was assigned any task.
Investigators are also checking whether the alleged family connections have any direct link to the threatening calls and messages received by Khatri.
Worked as a Security Guard
Sharif reportedly came to Mumbai in 2008 and worked as a security guard and watchman in several areas, including Andheri, Sakinaka, Jogeshwari and Bandra.
Police have also questioned his wife, Shabnam, and his nephew as part of the investigation. According to information given to investigators, Sharif and his wife were recently staying in Satara, where she worked as a domestic worker.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is now examining Sharif’s mobile data, his alleged Pakistan-based contacts and his communication with family members living across the border.
Investigators are trying to determine whether the threats were simply meant to intimidate Khatri or whether there was a larger organised network operating behind them. The possible terror connection angle is also being investigated.