CIK detains doctor, wife during coordinated raids across Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 18: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir on Tuesday detained a doctor from Srinagar and his wife during coordinated search operations carried out in Srinagar, Kulgam and Anantnag districts as part of an ongoing investigation into unlawful activities.

Officials said the searches were conducted at four locations on the basis of warrants issued by the Designated Court under the NIA Act in connection with an FIR registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. During the operation, investigators detained Dr Umer Farooq Bhat, currently posted at the Super Speciality Hospital, Sheeren Bagh Srinagar, and his wife Shahzada Akhtar, a native of Bugam Kulgam.

According to officials, CIK teams seized several digital devices including five mobile phones, five SIM cards, a tablet and additional material considered relevant to the probe. The recovered devices have been sent for forensic analysis to map possible digital networks and assess the extent of online activities linked to the accused.

Investigators said preliminary findings suggest that Dr Umer Farooq, a government employee, was allegedly misusing his professional standing for online activities considered detrimental to public order and national security. They added that both individuals were suspected of masking unlawful conduct behind their social status and professional legitimacy.

Officials further stated that the female detainee, Shahzada Akhtar, is alleged to have been involved in radicalising local women through online and offline interactions and that her possible links with the banned Dukhtaran-e-Millat are under examination. Early leads indicate the existence of a wider ecosystem of collaborators engaged in amplifying extremist content and influencing vulnerable groups.

The searches are part of a broader crackdown targeting individuals suspected of misusing digital platforms in coordination with handlers across the border. Officials said such activities included dissemination of disinformation, promotion of extremist narratives and attempts to incite disturbance in the region.

CIK said it remains focused on identifying and dismantling networks of operators, facilitators and sympathisers involved in activities that threaten public order and national security. Further action is expected as the investigation progresses. [KNT]