Individual Detained in Kashmir for Disseminating Radical Ideology on Social Media
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Synopsis
On March 18, the J&K Police's counter-intelligence unit announced the arrest of Showkat Ahmad Dar for leveraging social media to propagate radical propaganda. The individual was found to have shared extremist content aimed at inciting unrest, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat online radicalization.
Key Takeaways
- Showkat Ahmad Dar arrested for spreading radical content.
- Operated a Facebook account titled ‘Shaddy Kashmir Dryfruits’.
- Previously detained for stone-pelting and online radicalization.
- Collaboration between law enforcement and social media firms is crucial.
- Ongoing investigations into his activities and associates.
Srinagar, March 18 (NationPress) The counter-intelligence division of the J&K Police announced on Tuesday the apprehension of an individual for exploiting social media to propagate radical propaganda and hatred.
A police communiqué indicated that based on reliable intelligence and as part of their social media monitoring efforts, a team from counter-intelligence (Kashmir) successfully identified and arrested a person operating a radical Facebook account named ‘Shaddy Kashmir Dryfruits’. This account was used to spread extremist content aimed at inciting discord.
Following the receipt of information regarding the online activities, a rapid investigation was initiated. The suspect was confirmed to be Showkat Ahmad Dar, son of Ghulam Ahmad Dar, residing in Doodh Mohalla, Shalimar, Srinagar.
The statement further elaborated that the social media offender Showkat Ahmad Dar was actively involved in posting and sharing content that glorified terrorism and terrorist leaders, while also inciting anti-national feelings among the youth.
“Tracking the suspect was initially complicated due to his frequent relocations. Nevertheless, a well-coordinated strategy was executed to capture him along with his electronic devices. An initial examination of the digital devices revealed access to the radical Facebook account, alongside incriminating materials, including a video of the deceased terrorist commander Zakir Musa and other extremist propaganda,” the statement noted.
“It is important to point out that Showkat Ahmad Dar has a record of radical activities. He was previously detained in 2019 by the Harwan Police Station in Srinagar for involvement in stone-pelting events. Moreover, in 2022, he faced detention by the Cyber Police Station in Srinagar for participating in the online distribution of radical content. It is significant that, at the behest of intelligence agencies in Jammu and Kashmir, all social media service providers have created special units to monitor radical propaganda, particularly in J&K. Whenever such radical activities are detected by their monitoring units, they are promptly reported to security agencies,” the statement added.
These collaborative efforts by security and intelligence agencies in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the special monitoring units of social media firms, have been pivotal in dismantling numerous radical networks and identifying potential terrorists.
“The successful capture of the suspect underscores the dedication of law enforcement agencies to combat online radicalization and protect youth from extremist influences,” stated the official communication.
“Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect's involvement and connections are under scrutiny, with further legal actions to follow in accordance with legal provisions,” the statement concluded.
