Srinagar, Nov 18: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Tuesday carried out coordinated raids in Srinagar, Kulgam and Anantnag, detaining a doctor and his wife for their alleged involvement in promoting online radicalisation and circulating extremist content under the guise of professional and social influence.
According to an official statement, CIK teams conducted searches at four locations after obtaining warrants from the Designated Court under the NIA Act, Srinagar, in connection with FIR No. 05/2025, registered under Sections 196, 152, 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act at Police Station CIK.
The operation forms part of an ongoing crackdown on social media handlers allegedly working in coordination with operatives across the border to advance terrorist, separatist and secessionist agendas through digital platforms.
The two detained individuals have been identified as Dr. Umer Farooq Bhat, a government doctor posted at the Super Speciality Unit of SMHS Hospital, and his wife Shahzada Akhtar, a resident of Bugam, Kulgam, currently living in Sheerin Bagh, Srinagar. Investigators allege that both were using social media to spread disinformation, influence public perception, and incite vulnerable youth.
During the searches, CIK recovered five mobile phones, five SIM cards, one tablet, and other digital and documentary material described as “incriminating evidence” relevant to the case. The seized devices are undergoing forensic examination to trace the digital footprint and identify possible links to a larger propaganda network.
Initial findings indicate that the doctor misused his government position and public credibility to engage in activities “detrimental to public order and national security.” His wife is also suspected of using online and offline interactions to influence local women, push polarising narratives, and allegedly maintain links with the banned organisation Dukhtaran-e-Milat, a claim currently under investigation.
Officials said the operation underscores a troubling pattern in which educated individuals and professionals exploit their social standing to mask unlawful activities and amplify extremist messaging.
Early leads point to a broader ecosystem of collaborators and sympathisers who may have been involved in circulating coordinated propaganda to manipulate public sentiment.
The CIK said the crackdown sends a “clear message’’ that no individual—regardless of profession or social status—will be allowed to use digital influence or community networks to aid terrorism or disrupt public order. Further actions are expected as the investigation progresses.
