Srinagar, Oct 25, KDC: In a major development in the fight against Pakistan-backed terror propaganda and recruitment networks operating through social media, the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) on Saturday filed a charge sheet before the Court of Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar, in FIR No. 07/2023 under Sections 153-A, 505, 506 IPC and 13, 18, 18-B, 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The charge sheet has been filed against terrorist associate Aadil Ahmad Khan, son of Ghulam Mohammad Khan (alias Gull Khan), a resident of Drien Qazigund, Anantnag.
According to a statement, 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.
Case Background
The investigation was launched on the basis of credible information that certain individuals and entities based in Pakistan, in connivance with terror handlers of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and other banned outfits, were using online platforms to instigate Kashmiri youth to wage war against the sovereignty and integrity of India.
During the course of investigation, three accused persons were earlier found involved and had already been charge-sheeted before the Hon’ble Court. They include:
- Waseem Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, resident of Kandoora Budgam
- Junaid Ahmad Mir, son of Late Ab. Jabbar Mir, resident of Tikkipora Lolab
- Shabir Ahmad Gojri, son of Ab. Salam, resident of Darbagh Harwan, Srinagar
Fresh Accused Charge-Sheeted
Further investigation revealed the active involvement of Aadil Ahmad Khan, who was 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 statement said.
The investigation established that Aadil Ahmad Khan was actively aiding and abetting terrorist propaganda by sharing and amplifying digital content aligned with Pakistan-based terror groups and their offshoots. He also facilitated ground-level recruitment, thereby bridging online radicalization with physical recruitment for terror ranks.
Ongoing Investigation
The case continues to be under investigation by Counter Intelligence Kashmir, with special focus on identifying and dismantling the wider online terror ecosystem, including handlers, sympathizers, and digital facilitators operating both within and outside the Union Territory.
CIK officials said that more arrests and disclosures are expected as the investigation progresses.
“This action underscores the commitment of Counter Intelligence Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir 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,” the statement concluded. (KDC)
