SRINAGAR: A Kashmiri Pandit activist has been arrested in connection with the alleged manipulation and circulation of terror threat messages targeting members of the community in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rakesh Handoo was arrested from his residence in Faridabad, Haryana, following a complaint by Rohit Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit employee whose name was allegedly included in the threat messages. The messages purportedly originated from terrorist groups identified as Soldiers of Resistance and United Liberation Council.
Police allege that Handoo altered identifying details in the original material and circulated the messages on social media, creating concerns over Raina’s safety. Investigators have reportedly seized eight social media posts, documentary evidence and two mobile phones for examination.
The case involves provisions of the Information Technology Act relating to cyber terrorism and other offences. Police said technical and forensic analysis reports were awaited, and further investigation was underway.
The controversy comes amid heightened security concerns among Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Valley. In August, purported threat letters containing employees’ names and contact details triggered anxiety within the community. Employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s special employment package were placed on administrative leave for nearly three weeks.
However, Handoo’s arrest has drawn criticism from some Kashmiri Pandit leaders and activists, who have called for a fair investigation. Community representatives have highlighted his past involvement in supporting security forces during the period of militancy and questioned whether the allegations have been adequately examined.
Around 6,000 Kashmiri Pandits have received government jobs under the special employment package introduced in 2010 to support the rehabilitation of displaced families. The community has faced renewed security concerns following targeted attacks in recent years.
The investigation into the alleged circulation of manipulated threat messages remains ongoing, with the evidence and charges yet to be tested through judicial proceedings.
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