Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 10
Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has arrested two people as part of an investigation into the alleged dissemination of radical and anti-national material through social media, officials said.
The arrests followed searches conducted by the agency at five locations across Kashmir in connection with an investigation registered under FIR No 03/2023 at Police Station CIK Srinagar.
According to officials, the arrests were made on August 9, a day after the searches.
Investigators seized six digital devices and seven SIM cards during the searches.
The material has been taken for detailed examination as authorities investigate the alleged online activity and attempt to establish its scale and possible links.
The two arrested men were identified as Mehran Qazi, son of Atta Muhammad Qazi of Hiller Shahbad in Dooru, Anantnag, and Babar Hamid Dar, son of Abdul Hamid Dar of Chankan, Sopore.
The case has been registered under Sections 505 and 153-A of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Officials familiar with the investigation said the case concerns the alleged use of social media platforms to circulate material carrying radical and anti-national narratives.
Investigators have alleged that the suspects shared content that promoted radical narratives and glorified or projected individuals associated with terrorism.
Authorities are also examining allegations that the material contained extremist viewpoints capable of influencing or radicalising vulnerable audiences.
The five searches formed part of the continuing investigation, with investigators examining digital footprints, communications and other electronic evidence to determine the nature and extent of the alleged activity.
The seized devices and SIM cards are expected to provide investigators with additional evidence about communications and social-media activity relevant to the case.
Officials said the digital material was being examined in accordance with the law.
Investigators are also assessing whether the alleged dissemination involved only the two arrested individuals or whether a broader network may have been involved.
The investigation remains ongoing. Any further arrests or legal action will depend on the findings emerging from examination of the seized material.
