Srinagar, March 4 – Police in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, announced on Wednesday that they had registered FIRs against MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and former mayor, Junaid Azim Mattu, for "spreading misleading content online."
The police stated, "Acting on credible information regarding the circulation of false, fabricated, and misleading content across digital and social media platforms with the intent to create fear, disrupt public order, and incite unlawful activities, the Srinagar Police have registered cases against Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Junaid Azim Mattu in connection with this matter."
"The content in question, prima facie, reflects the dissemination of distorted narratives and unverified information capable of causing public unrest and societal disharmony," the statement said.
The police said that such "deliberate attempts to spread misinformation pose a serious threat to peace, security, and overall stability."
"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. Investigation into both cases has been initiated and is underway," the statement further mentioned.
"The Srinagar Police reiterate its firm commitment to maintaining public peace and law and order. Citizens are advised to verify information through official and credible sources before sharing content online and to refrain from circulating unverified material that may disturb communal harmony or public order. Further legal action shall follow as warranted under law," the police said.
The police had warned people to refrain from uploading provocative content on social media that has the potential to cause law and order problems.
They also said that many people had been identified as being involved in spreading false, fabricated, and misleading information that has the potential of disturbing peace and tranquility in the union territory.
Meanwhile, authorities have decided to continue restrictions across the Kashmir Valley for the third consecutive day on Wednesday.
All schools, colleges, and universities in the Valley will remain closed until March 7. Exams scheduled for the day have also been postponed by the Kashmir University.
