J&K Police file chargesheet against 2 for social media conspiracy
A Counter-Intelligence wing of Jammu and Kashmir police on Wednesday filed a chargesheet against two accused persons before a designated NIA court in Srinagar, alleging their involvement in a conspiracy to misuse social media platforms for spreading fabricated narratives, promoting separatist ideology, and attempting to disturb public order in the region.
According to a statement issued by the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), on 01 April 2026, CIK produced a charge sheet (challan) before the Court of the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar, against the accusef namely Dr. Umer Farooq Bhat, S/o Farooq Ahmad Bhat, R/o Bugam, Kulgam and Shahzada Akther, W/o Dr. Umer Farooq Bhat, R/o Bugam, Kulgam
in connection with FIR No. 05/2025 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar under Sections 152, 62(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 13, 38, 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), it reads.
The case was registered on the basis of credible and reliable information indicating that the accused Shahzada Akther, in a well-planned criminal conspiracy with members of the proscribed terrorist organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat, and in active connivance with her husband Dr. Umer Farooq Bhat, was involved in the deliberate creation and dissemination of false, fabricated, and distorted narratives regarding the situation in Kashmir, it reads.
Investigation revealed that the accused persons, acting in concert with members of the proscribed organisation, were engaged in the misuse of social media platforms, including encrypted messaging applications, to manipulate facts and spread misleading information.
The content disseminated by them was aimed at promoting secessionist and separatist sentiments, thereby fostering disaffection, hatred, and enmity against the Union of India.
Further investigation established that the accused were also involved in uploading and circulating content intended to create disharmony and criminal ill-will among different religious groups, with the deliberate intent to provoke and radicalize youth, incite violence, and disturb public order.
Such activities posed a serious threat to peace, tranquility, and the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
Upon culmination of the investigation, sufficient evidence has been collected substantiating the involvement of both accused persons in the commission of offences punishable under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Accordingly, the charge sheet has been filed before the competent court for judicial determination, it reads.
