A doctor couple from south Kashmir was charged (under provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for “misusing social media platforms”) by the special cell of the J&K Police, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), on Wednesday.
A police spokesman said that the CIK has filed a charge sheet against Dr. Umer Farooq Bhat and his wife Shahzada Akther, residents of Kulgam.
“In a well-planned criminal conspiracy with members of the banned terrorist organization Dukhtaran-e-Millat and in active connivance with her husband Dr. Bhat, Akther was involved in the deliberate creation and dissemination of false, fabricated and distorted narratives regarding the situation in Kashmir,” the spokesperson said.
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The police filed a First Information Report (FIR) in 2025 under Sections 152, 62(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 13, 38, 39 of the UAPA.
“Investigation revealed that the accused persons were involved in misusing 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 promoting alienation, hatred and enmity towards the Union of India,” the police said in a statement.
The accused were also involved in uploading and disseminating content aimed at creating disharmony and criminal ill-will between various religious groups, “with the deliberate intention of provoking and radicalizing the youth, inciting violence and disturbing public order,” according to the police.
The CIK said it was “committed to protecting national security and maintaining public order”. “Strict action will continue to be taken against individuals and networks involved in activities that threaten the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country,” he added.
Published – 01 April 2026 22:45 IST
