Srinagar, Mar 4: Srinagar Police on Tuesday registered cases against National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu for allegedly circulating misleading and unverified content on social media platforms.
According to a statement issued by the police on X, the action was taken after receiving credible inputs about the circulation of “false, fabricated and misleading content” across digital platforms aimed at creating fear, disturbing public order and inciting unlawful activities.
Police said the content shared by the two leaders, prima facie, appeared to involve distorted narratives and unverified information that could potentially trigger public unrest and societal disharmony.
“Such deliberate attempts to spread misinformation pose a serious threat to peace, security and overall stability,” the statement said.
Following the inputs, FIR No. 02/2026 and FIR No. 03/2026 were registered at the Cyber Police Station Srinagar under Sections 197(1)(d) and 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police said investigations into both cases have been initiated.
Authorities also urged citizens to verify information through official and credible sources before sharing it online and cautioned against circulating unverified content that could disrupt communal harmony or public order.
Earlier on X, both leaders had claimed that their security cover had been downgraded or withdrawn.
Ruhullah, the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, said he was neither concerned about the withdrawal of security nor intimidated by it. He stated that as a citizen he would continue to raise his voice against what he described as violations of laws, freedom and democracy.
Former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu also alleged that his security had been withdrawn due to his remarks on Iran and the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US–Israel air strike, claiming the move was intended to silence him.
Police, however, maintained that the cases relate to the alleged spread of misleading information on social media, and investigations are underway.
