Doctor couple charged under UAPA in Kashmir for spreading ‘misinformation on social media’

A doctor couple from south Kashmir was charged by the J&K Police’s special cell, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), on Wednesday (under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for “misusing social media platforms”.

A police spokesperson said the CIK produced a chargesheet before the court of the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar, against Dr. Umer Farooq Bhat, and his wife Shahzada Akther, residents of Kulgam.

“Akther, in a well-planned criminal conspiracy with members of the proscribed terrorist organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat, and in active connivance with her husband Dr. Bhat, was involved in the deliberate creation and dissemination of false, fabricated, and distorted narratives regarding the situation in Kashmir,” said the spokesperson.

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Police had lodged 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 engaged in the misuse of 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 fostering disaffection, hatred, and enmity against the Union of India,” said a police statement.

The accused, according to the police, were also involved in uploading and circulating content intended to create disharmony and criminal ill-will among different religious groups, “with the deliberate intent to provoke and radicalise youth, incite violence, and disturb public order”.

The CIK said it was “committed to safeguarding 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,” it added.