Terror links: CIK, SIA raid Central Jail Srinagar

Srinagar, Dec 4: Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) and the Special Investigation Agency (SIA) of J&K Police Tuesday conducted coordinated searches at Central Jail, Srinagar in connection with a terror-linked case where several digital devices, including mobile phones were seized.
According to an official statement, the searches were carried out under a warrant issued by the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar, in case FIR No. 06/2023 under sections 153-A, 505, 121, and 120-B of the IPC, in conjunction with sections 13 and 39 of the UA(P) Act.
“The case pertains to a broader conspiracy orchestrated by proscribed terrorist organizations operating in Jammu and Kashmir and across the Line of Control (LoC), with support from Pakistani agencies. These organizations, in collaboration with local Over Ground Workers (OGWs), supporters, facilitators and sympathizers, are actively involved in creating new terror modules by exploiting social media platforms to radicalize and provoke youth, with the intent to recruit them into unlawful and terrorist activities to further their cause,” the statement said.
It said that the investigation revealed that mobile phones and other digital devices were being used inside Central Jail, Srinagar, by undertrial terrorists, OGWs, and sympathizers of banned terror groups to communicate with active terrorists. “These individuals were allegedly passing on instructions from handlers based across the border to facilitate terrorist operations within the Kashmir Valley,” the statement said.
It said that searches were conducted across various blocks and barracks within the jail, resulting in the recovery and seizure of incriminating material, including SIM cards, mobile phones, and other digital devices pertinent to the investigation.
“The investigating agencies are also probing the breach of security at the jail to determine how these communication devices were smuggled inside. Collaborators and facilitators involved in this act are now a focus of the ongoing investigation,” the statement said, adding that “This operation is part of a broader effort to uncover crucial evidence, curb illicit activities, and prevent the misuse of communication devices like mobile phones in high-security zones such as jails. By dismantling the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory, the operation aims to identify and take legal action against terrorist associates and OGWs, as mandated by law.”