The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Tuesday detained a doctor and his wife following coordinated searches at four locations across Kashmir as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged unlawful online activities.
Police said raids were conducted in Srinagar, Kulgam, and Anantnag under court-issued warrants. The operation targets social media users allegedly working with handlers across the border to promote terrorist, secessionist, and separatist content, spread disinformation, and incite public disorder.
The detained individuals include Shahzada Akhtar, a resident of Bugam, Kulgam, currently living in Sheeren Bagh, Srinagar, and her husband, Dr. Umer Farooq Bhat, posted at SMHS Super Speciality Hospital, Srinagar.
The action was registered under FIR No. 05/2025 at CIK Police Station, Srinagar, under the NIA Act, Sections 196, 152, 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Authorities said the couple allegedly used their professional status and social credibility to conceal unlawful online activities. Multiple digital devices were seized, including five mobile phones, five SIM cards, a tablet, and other “incriminating digital and documentary material,” now sent for forensic examination.
Police investigations suggest Dr. Bhat was involved in activities “detrimental to public order and national security,” while Shahzada Akhtar allegedly radicalised local women online and offline and is suspected of links with the banned outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat. Officials said the seized devices may help uncover a wider network of organised propaganda operations.
“Crackdown on such networks will continue, and further action is likely as the investigation progresses,” the official added. (Agencies)
