Misuse of social media: Police conduct raid in Natipora

Srinagar, Dec 6: Police on Friday said that it conducted raid in Natipora area of Srinagar district, in connection with the case of unlawful activities.
A police spokesperson in a statement said that continuing its investigation into case FIR No. 65/2024 under section 13 UA(P) Act of PS Shergarhi, police conducted a raid in Natipora, Srinagar, as part of efforts to dismantle a network involved in spreading fabricated and malicious narratives aimed at inciting unlawful and violent activities.
He said the investigation is focused on certain individuals who, at the behest of adversaries and in criminal conspiracy, have been involved in manufacturing and disseminating twisted, false information. This campaign of misinformation is intended to provoke violence and disrupt public order.
Following the acquisition of search warrants from the NIA Court, Srinagar Police carried out searches at the residence of one Abdul Hamid Parry, son of Gulam Mohammad Parry, resident of Budshah Nagar, Natipora. During the raid, incriminating materials and electronic devices were seized. Further searches are planned at the residences of other identified suspects linked to this malicious propaganda, the spokesperson said.
In addition, last week, Srinagar Police conducted raids in Batmaloo and HMT areas, targeting two individuals namely Obais Riyaz Dar, son of Riyaz Ahmad Dar, resident of Bonpora Batmaloo and Sahil Ah Bhat, son of Noor Mohammad, resident of HMT Zainakot, who were identified as key figures in orchestrating the unlawful narrative, he said.
Police urged public, particularly youth, to be vigilant and responsible while using social media platforms, and reminded citizens to refrain from sharing or uploading content that promotes false, inciteful narratives and could lead others to engage in acts of terror.
Srinagar Police have identified additional suspects connected to the ongoing investigation and are planning further raids in the coming days. These actions are part of a larger effort to combat the misuse of social media for spreading harmful and misleading information that threatens public order and safety, the spokesperson added.