Chargesheet filed against JnK doctor, wife for alleged social media misuse

Srinagar: A south Kashmir-based doctor and his wife have been chargesheeted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act case by the Jammu & Kashmir Police’s Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) for allegedly misusing social media platforms to spread secessionist and misleading content.

The duo have been accused of orchestrating and circulating false, fabricated, and distorted narratives about the situation in the region. Both are residents of Bugam village in Kulgam, and the doctor is employed at a Government-run hospital in Srinagar. 

A case was registered against the duo under Sections 152 and 62(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 13, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the agency filed the chargesheet on Wednesday.

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CIK told UNI that the chargesheet was produced before the Court of Special Judge designated under the NIA Act in Srinagar against the doctor and his wife in connection with an FIR registered last year in November at Police Station CIK Srinagar.

According to CIK, the investigation revealed that the wife, in conspiracy with members of the proscribed terrorist organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat and in connivance with her husband, was allegedly involved in creating and disseminating false and fabricated narratives about the situation in Kashmir through social media and encrypted messaging applications.

Police said the content shared by the accused allegedly aimed to promote secessionist sentiments, spread misinformation, create religious disharmony, radicalise youth and incite violence, posing a threat to public order and national security.

CIK said that after completion of the investigation, sufficient evidence was collected against the accused, following which the chargesheet was filed before the competent court for judicial determination.

The agency reiterated its commitment to maintaining public order and said strict action will continue against individuals and networks involved in activities that threaten the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country.

As per the Deccan Chronicle media report, the CIK’s statement highlights that the accused allegedly disseminated the materials to foster "disaffection, hatred, and enmity against the Union of India."  Their actions, according to investigators, posed a serious threat to peace, tranquillity, and the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

In an earlier statement issued on November 18, the CIK had claimed that the accused doctor, despite being a government employee, was involved in unlawful online activities. The agency alleged that he misused his official position and public credibility in a way that was harmful to public order and national security.

These developments come soon after a Delhi court, on March 25, sentenced the chief of DeM to life imprisonment in a UAPA case, while her associates were given 30-year jail terms. The accused were arrested by the NIA in July 2018 from a Srinagar prison and are currently lodged in Tihar Jail, Delhi.

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