Even as the probe agencies are joining the dots to expose the ‘White Collar’ terror module behind the car blast near the Red Fort area of Delhi, the sleuths of Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) have now detained a senior doctor working in the Super Speciality of SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, along with his wife.
The couple was detained during a fresh round of crackdown against social media abusers operating in connivance with handlers across the border.
According to official sources, the raids were carried out at four locations across the districts of Srinagar, Kulgam and Anantnag, acting on search warrants issued by the designated court under the NIA Act, Srinagar, in connection with FIR No. 05/2025 under Sections 196, 152, 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Police Station CIK.
During the operation, two accused: Shahzada Akhtar, wife of Dr. Umer Farooq Bhat, resident of Bugam Kulgam and presently residing at Shireen Bagh Srinagar, with her husband Dr Umer Farooq Bhat, who is presently working in the Super Speciality of SMHS Hospital, Shireen Bagh Srinagar, were detained. “The couple was allegedly found using social media platforms to spread disinformation, radicalise youth, incite violence and disturb public order, posing a serious threat to the peace and sovereignty of the Union of India”, official sources revealed. According to official sources, “CIK teams seized multiple digital devices and incriminating material having direct relevance to the investigation”. The recoveries include five mobile phones, five SIM cards, 01 tablet device, and additional digital and documentary evidence and literature, official sources claimed.
Preliminary investigations have so far revealed that the detained individuals were misusing their positions and social standing to mask unlawful activities.
“The female suspect, Shahzada Akhtar, in particular, is alleged to have been involved in radicalizing local women through curated online and offline engagements, pushing divisive narratives, and influencing vulnerable groups under the pretext of community interaction”. Her affiliation with the banned terrorist organization ‘Dukhtaran-e-Milat’, is currently under investigation. Official sources claimed the case highlights a concerning trend of the exploitation of social roles and professional facades to advance disruptive agendas.
The CIK sleuths are hoping that a detailed forensic analysis of recovered devices is expected to unravel a broader digital network linked to organized propaganda efforts. “Early leads indicate the possibility of a wider ecosystem of collaborators and sympathizers, whose activities were aimed at amplifying extremist content and manipulating public perception”, sources said.
The couple was detained during a fresh round of crackdown against social media abusers