Kashmir Crackdown Widens: Two Held Over Alleged Radical Content on SM
Investigators seized six digital devices and seven SIM cards during the searches, all of which have been sent for detailed forensic examination. The two arrested suspects—identified as Mehran Qazi, son of Atta Mohammad Qazi of Hiller Shahbad, Dooru in Anantnag, and Babar Hamid Dar, son of Abdul Hamid Dar of Chankan, Sopore—were taken into custody on Sunday
SRINAGAR: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), the specialised counter‑terror and counter‑propaganda wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, has arrested two individuals in a case involving the alleged circulation of radical and anti‑national content on social media.
Officials said on Monday that the arrests were made after a series of coordinated searches carried out at the weekend across multiple locations in the Kashmir Valley. These operations were conducted under FIR No. 03/2023 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar, invoking Sections 505 and 153‑A of the IPC along with Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Investigators seized six digital devices and seven SIM cards during the searches, all of which have been sent for detailed forensic examination. The two arrested suspects—identified as Mehran Qazi, son of Atta Mohammad Qazi of Hiller Shahbad, Dooru in Anantnag, and Babar Hamid Dar, son of Abdul Hamid Dar of Chankan, Sopore—were taken into custody on Sunday.
According to officials, both individuals allegedly shared online content containing radical narratives, glorification of individuals associated with terrorism, and messaging that investigators believe could influence or radicalise vulnerable audiences. The CIK emphasised that the investigation remains active, with the seized digital material undergoing further scrutiny in accordance with legal procedures.
In a parallel development, security forces and investigative agencies launched a sweeping crackdown on Sunday targeting a suspected network allegedly linked to the banned Jamaat‑e‑Islami (JeI) in Sopore and neighbouring areas of Baramulla district. Officials confirmed that searches at 26 locations were part of a UAPA‑related case registered against the proscribed organisation. The operation aimed to uncover additional evidence, map the extent of the suspected network, and establish the nature of its activities and affiliations.
Teams deployed across the region conducted searches of residential premises and other locations believed to be connected to individuals associated with the banned outfit. Security arrangements had been reinforced in the affected areas to ensure smooth conduct of the operation and to prevent any disturbance to public order. Officials described the crackdown as part of a broader, ongoing effort to dismantle networks suspected of facilitating extremist activities or propagating unlawful narratives.
