Investigation reveals Pakistani link in intimidation of Mumbai merchant

Mumbai’s Crime Branch has disclosed that a Pakistani connection was uncovered in the case of a businessman who received threatening messages on WhatsApp.

The victim, Imtiaz Khatri of Bhandara’s Garib Nagar, reported that a number registered in Pakistan called him and sent a voice memo containing a direct threat. Police surveillance traced the source of the call to a man named Mohammad Sharif, who was arrested in Satara.

Sharif, a 45‑year‑old security guard originally from Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, has been residing in Mumbai since 2008, working in multiple neighborhoods as a watchman before moving to Satara for a similar role.

Digital forensics on Sharif’s mobile device produced chat logs evidencing communication with a contact in Pakistan. The Crime Branch is examining the motive behind this link, the nature of the relationship, and whether Sharif acted alone or as part of a larger network.

Sharif’s family background adds another layer of complexity: his father lives in the Pakistan‑administered portion of Kashmir. Interrogations of Sharif’s wife, Shabnam, confirmed his employment history and recent movements.

The court has ordered that Sharif remain in Custody of the Crime Branch until September 13 while further questioning aims to map the full chain of persons involved in the cross‑border intimidation scheme.