Police in Srinagar have registered separate cases against Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu for allegedly circulating misleading content on social media, officials said.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the cases were registered after certain posts shared online were found to contain information that authorities believe could mislead the public and potentially disturb peace and public order. The content in question reportedly related to sensitive developments in the region and was widely circulated across different social media platforms.
Officials said the posts quickly gained traction online, prompting concerns among authorities about the spread of unverified or misleading information. Following this, police initiated legal action and registered First Information Reports (FIRs) under relevant sections of the law dealing with misinformation and public disturbance.
The police stated that spreading misleading or unverified content online can create confusion among the public and may lead to unnecessary panic or tension. Authorities emphasized that social media users, particularly public representatives and individuals with large followings, should exercise responsibility while sharing information online.
Sources in the police department said the investigation will focus on the origin of the content, the intent behind its circulation and whether it violated any existing laws related to public order or misinformation. Digital evidence and online activity linked to the posts are also being examined as part of the probe.
Meanwhile, the development has sparked political reactions in the region, with supporters of the leaders questioning the action and raising concerns about freedom of expression. Others have urged caution in sharing sensitive information online, especially in regions where misinformation can quickly escalate into wider public issues.
Police reiterated that the action was taken purely on the basis of law and order considerations and not on political grounds. Authorities also warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found spreading false or misleading information that could disrupt public harmony.
The investigation is currently underway, and officials said further details may emerge as the probe progresses. Police have also urged citizens to rely only on verified sources for information and avoid forwarding or sharing unconfirmed content on social media platforms.
