Jammu and Kashmir Police register cases over alleged online misinformation in Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Police said it registered cases against Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu over alleged circulation of false and misleading digital content. Police cited risks to public order and communal harmony, said the cases were filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and confirmed investigations are under way.

Jammu and Kashmir Police onTuesday registered cases against Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Junaid Azim Mattu. Police alleged both used digital platforms to spread distorted narratives. An official statement said the material could trigger public unrest. Police said it could also harm societal harmony. Investigations have started under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Police said the move followed credible inputs about content shared online. The statement described the posts as false, fabricated and misleading. Police alleged the intent was to create fear and disrupt public order. Police also alleged the content could incite unlawful activities. The statement said the material was unverified.

Jammu and Kashmir Police cases over digital platforms

The official statement said the content, prima facie, reflected distorted narratives and unverified information. Police said it was capable of causing public unrest and societal disharmony. Police added that deliberate misinformation posed a serious threat. It said peace, security and overall stability were at risk. The statement did not detail the exact posts.

The statement said cases were registered against Mehdi and Mattu after the circulation of content online. Police said the cases were under various BNS sections. The statement added that investigations were initiated. Police also said further legal action would follow. The step would depend on what the law warranted.

Jammu and Kashmir Police response and public advisory on digital platforms

The statement reiterated Srinagar Police commitment to peace and law and order. Police advised citizens to check information before sharing it online. Police asked people to rely on official and credible sources. It also urged people to avoid circulating unverified material. The statement said such sharing may disturb communal harmony or public order.

The police action came after Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi raised concerns about security arrangements. Mehdi claimed the security detail had been downgraded. Mehdi also linked the issue to online restrictions. Mehdi asserted that such steps would not silence criticism. Mehdi made the remarks in posts on X.

"Some fools in Jammu and Kashmir Police and administration think that by withdrawing/downgrading my security detail and suspending my Facebook account will stop me from calling out their atrocities. It is laughable!\"

Mehdi also wrote that the response would not change the stance. Mehdi framed the matter around constitutional rights and public criticism. Mehdi said the commitment would continue despite pressure. Mehdi also referred to a personal family history. Mehdi said that shaped the course being followed.

\"Mehdi said that as a citizen of this country, he will exercise his rights to stand up against your atrocities, violation of laws, freedom and democracy given to us by the constitution, to the last drop of my blood.\"

\"My father was martyred standing for his people. Thats what fascinates me. Thats my course, he said.\"

Junaid Azim Mattu also claimed a change in security cover. Mattu said the withdrawal followed statements on Iran and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mattu referred to a joint US-Israel attack and called it illegitimate. Mattu said the measure aimed to silence criticism. Mattu also posted the claim on X.

\"For my statements on Iran and Ayatullah Syed Ali Khameneis martyrdom, and for speaking against the BJP-led governments moral abdication and deafening silence on the issue of the illegitimate barbaric onslaught on Iran by the US and Israel -- my security has just been effectively withdrawn with immediate effect. A measure aimed to silence me, Mattu said on X.\"

Police said the cases focused on online circulation of material that could harm public order. Police maintained that investigations were under way under the BNS. Mehdi and Mattu linked the developments to security changes and speech. The statement asked the public to avoid sharing unverified posts. Police said legal action would depend on findings.

With inputs from PTI