Srinagar, Oct 25: In a major breakthrough against Pakistan-backed terror propaganda and recruitment networks operating through social media, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) today produced a charge sheet before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge designated under NIA Act, Srinagar in Case FIR No. 07/2023 U/S 153-A, 505, 506 IPC, 13, 18, 18-B, 39 UAPA of Police Station CIK Srinagar against terrorist associate Aadil Ahmad Khan son of Ghulam Mohammad Khan (@Gull Khan), resident of Drien Qazigund, Anantnag.
According to the statement issued by the agency, the case pertains to a terror recruitment module being clandestinely operated through social media platforms, with the objective of radicalizing and recruiting impressionable youth of Jammu and Kashmir into the ranks of proscribed terrorist organizations, particularly those sponsored and controlled from across the border in Pakistan.
Divulging details of the case, the statement reads that the investigation was initiated on the basis of credible information that unscrupulous individuals and entities based in Pakistan, in connivance with terrorist handlers of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and other banned outfits, were using social media to lure Kashmiri youth and instigate them to wage war against the sovereignty and integrity of India.
During the investigation, three accused persons were earlier found involved and charge sheeted before the Hon’ble Court, identified as Waseem Ahmad Sheikh, S/o Gh. Mohammad Sheikh R/o Kandoora Budgam; Junaid Ahmad Mir, S/o Late Ab. Jabbar Mir, R/o Tikkipora Lolab; and Shabir Ahmad Gojri, S/o Ab. Salam, R/o Darbagh Harwan Srinagar
The statement also reads that further investigation uncovered the active role of accused Aadil Ahmad Khan, who had been operating a dedicated online recruitment network through Facebook and Twitter, disseminating secessionist, anti-national, and pro-terror content. His online activities were aimed at glorifying terrorism, promoting violent extremism, and motivating youth to join proscribed terrorist organizations.
The investigation established that Aadil Ahmad Khan was actively aiding and abetting terrorist propaganda by sharing and amplifying digital content aligned with the agenda of Pakistan-based terror groups and their offshoots/front organizations. His online radicalization efforts were coupled with ground-level facilitation of terror recruitment.
The case is registered and being investigated by CIK with a focus on identifying and dismantling the wider online terror ecosystem, including handlers, sympathizers, and digital facilitators operating from within and outside the Union Territory, the statement reads.
CIK officials stated that more arrests and disclosures are expected as the investigation progresses.
This action underscores the commitment of Counter Intelligence Kashmir and J&K Police to neutralize both physical and digital terror networks, and to safeguard the youth of the Valley from being exploited by Pakistan-sponsored propaganda machinery, statement added.
