Srinagar, Aug 10: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has arrested two persons in connection with an investigation into the dissemination of radical and anti-national content through social media platforms, two days after the agency conducted searches at five locations across Kashmir.
The arrests were made on Sunday, August 9, following searches conducted by CIK on Saturday, August 8, in connection with FIR No 03/2023 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar.
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.
During the searches, investigators seized six digital devices and seven SIM cards, which have been taken up for detailed examination as part of the ongoing probe.
The two arrested persons have been identified as Mehran Qazi, son of Atta Muhammad Qazi of Hiller Shahbad, Dooru, Anantnag, and Babar Hamid Dar, son of Abdul Hamid Dar of Chankan, Sopore.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, the case relates to the alleged use of social media platforms for disseminating material carrying radical and anti-national overtones.
Investigators have alleged that the two suspects shared content containing radical narratives, besides material involving the glorification and projection of individuals associated with terrorism.
The content allegedly also included extremist viewpoints and narratives that could influence or radicalise impressionable minds.
The CIK searches at five locations formed part of the ongoing investigation into the case, with the agency examining digital footprints and other material to establish the nature and extent of the alleged online activity.
The seizure of multiple digital devices and SIM cards is expected to help investigators examine communications, social media activity and other digital evidence relevant to the case.
Officials said the digital material seized during the searches is being subjected to detailed examination in accordance with law. Investigators are also examining whether the alleged dissemination of the content was limited to the two arrested persons or involved a wider network.
The latest arrests come amid increased scrutiny by security and intelligence agencies of online platforms being allegedly used for the propagation of extremist narratives and radicalisation in J&K
The investigation remains in progress, and further arrests or legal action, if warranted, would depend on the findings emerging from the examination of the seized material.
