Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar
Srinagar, Mar 4: Police in Jammu and Kashmir have registered FIRs against Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Member of Parliament from Srinagar representing the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, and former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu for allegedly circulating misleading content online.
A police spokesperson said that acting on credible inputs regarding the circulation of false, fabricated and misleading content across digital and social media platforms — allegedly aimed at creating fear, disturbing public order and inciting unlawful activities — cases were registered against the two leaders.
“The content in question, prima facie, reflects the dissemination of distorted narratives and unverified information capable of causing public unrest and societal disharmony. Such deliberate attempts to spread misinformation pose a serious threat to peace, security and overall stability,” the spokesperson said.
Accordingly, FIR No. 02/2026 and FIR No. 03/2026 have been registered under Sections 197(1)(d) and 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Cyber Police Station, Srinagar. Investigations are currently under way.
Police have advised citizens to verify information through official and credible sources before sharing content online and to refrain from circulating unverified material that could disturb communal harmony or public order. “Further legal action shall follow as warranted under law,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, police have downgraded the security cover of the National Conference MP and blocked his Facebook page. Mattu has claimed that his security was withdrawn following his public remarks on the reported killing of Ali Khamenei and for speaking out against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led dispensation.
Reacting to the FIR, Ruhullah’s office said in a post on X: “The people of Srinagar did not elect their MP to recite government-approved condolences. They elected him to speak the truth. That mandate does not expire with an FIR.”
Authorities have imposed restrictions across the Valley and ordered closure of educational institutions until March 7 following protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader in a reported joint US–Israeli strike.