Introduction

Law enforcement authorities have arrested a prominent Kashmiri Pandit activist from his residence in Faridabad, Haryana, on charges of cyber terrorism. The arrest follows an extensive investigation into purported terror threat letters that sparked widespread panic among Kashmiri Pandit employees stationed in the Valley earlier this year.

According to police officials, the accused, identified as Rakesh Handoo, allegedly manipulated and repeatedly circulated electronic threat material falsely targeting a community member and creating severe apprehension regarding public safety.

Investigation and Arrest

The case stems from an incident in August when panic gripped Kashmiri Pandit employees appointed under the Prime Minister's Special Employment Scheme. Threat letters bearing specific names and contact details of employees forced administrative authorities to grant extended safety leaves, keeping staff away from their duties for nearly three weeks.

Investigations revealed that the threats were purportedly issued by militant entities operating under the names 'Soldiers of Resistance' and 'United Liberation Council.' However, subsequent technical analysis and cyber forensic evaluations by the Baramulla police indicated that the digital materials had been altered.

Inspector General of Police Sujit Kumar confirmed that investigators gathered substantial evidence, including eight social media posts and electronic records, establishing a prima facie case. Law enforcement stated that Handoo repeatedly circulated the manipulated material on digital platforms like X, altering original identifying details to project a local employee, Rohit Raina, as the intended target.

Authorities noted that Handoo failed to join the ongoing investigation despite receiving three statutory notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Following the issuance of a court-sanctioned arrest warrant, a specialized police team apprehended Handoo in Faridabad, seizing two mobile phones and securing social media account records for forensic examination.

Legal Implications and Community Reactions

Investigators have invoked stringent provisions of the Information Technology Act, establishing prima facie offenses under Sections 66F (cyber terrorism) and 84C. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and technical analysis reports remain pending as the wider probe continues.

The arrest has drawn sharp reactions from various community leaders and political figures. Sanjay Saraf, a leader of the Lok Janshakti Party, termed the development unfortunate and called for a review of the charges. Several supporters and community members have highlighted Handoo's historical background, pointing to his activism during the peak of militancy in Kashmir in the 1990s.

Daily News 365 will continue to track developments as legal proceedings unfold and further forensic analysis reports are released by law enforcement agencies.