Srinagar, Dec 30 (JKNS): Tightening the noose around elements accused of spreading secessionist propaganda and misinformation, the Special NIA Court in Srinagar has issued a proclamation under Section 82 CrPC against three absconding accused in a high-profile anti-national propaganda case, after they allegedly went underground to evade arrest and continued hostile activities on social media platforms.
In a statement, as per news agency JKNS, CIK said that the Hon’ble Court of the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar, has issued a proclamation under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, against accused persons in FIR No. 07/2020 of Police Station Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK).
The case pertains to serious offences under Sections 153-A and 505 of the IPC and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, it reads.
The FIR was registered on the basis of credible intelligence inputs revealing a well-orchestrated conspiracy by unscrupulous anti-social and anti-national elements operating at the behest of secessionist forces within and outside the Kashmir Valley, it reads.
Investigations have exposed that these elements were masquerading as news portals, journalists and freelancers, while in reality weaponising social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp to create, upload and circulate fake, motivated, exaggerated, secessionist and out-of-context content. The deliberate objective of this digital misinformation campaign was to incite street violence, disrupt normal life, damage public property, disturb public order and fuel mass unrest, thereby promoting anti-national sentiments and advancing a secessionist agenda aimed at creating disaffection against the Union of India, it reads.
During the course of investigation, the involvement of the following accused persons was firmly established, Mubeen Ahmad Shah, S/o Late Ali Mohammad Shah, resident of Dock Wali Colony, Jawahar Nagar, District Srinagar. Azizul Hassan Ashai @ Tony Ashai, S/o Nazir Ahmad Ashai, resident of Dock Wali Colony, Jawahar Nagar, District Srinagar and Rifat Wani, D/o Ghulam Mohammad Wani, resident of Trehgam, District Kupwara.
The accused were found to be actively propagating content prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, spreading false and fabricated narratives with the clear intent of instigating disaffection against the Union of India, it reads.
Following the issuance of warrants of arrest, the accused persons went underground and are absconding to evade the process of law. Taking serious note of their deliberate evasion, the Hon’ble Special NIA Court has now issued a proclamation under Section 82 CrPC, directing the accused to appear before the Court on or before 31.01.2026. Failure to comply will invite stringent proceedings under Section 83 CrPC, including attachment of property.
Statement further reads, Despite being declared absconders, the accused are reportedly continuing their hostile activities and remain active on social media platforms, where they persist in peddling false, fabricated and provocative content with the intention of inciting large-scale violence and destabilising public order in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Counter Intelligence Kashmir reiterated its firm resolve to act decisively against all elements involved in anti-national propaganda and digital subversion, warning that such unlawful activities will be dealt with strictly under the law, reads the statement. (JKNS)
