Handwara Poster Conspiracy Probe Widens; Properties Seized

Srinagar: A probe into a terror-linked poster campaign has widened in Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Thursday, even as authorities moved to attach properties linked to a separate 2023 case.

The arrest of one person for displaying anti-national and inflammatory posters at a public site within Handwara Police Station limits marks the first breakthrough in the case. The FIR, numbered 259/2026, has been registered at the police station.

During questioning and investigation, police found the possible involvement of 'over ground workers' (OGWs) and others in the plot. Search operations to identify and catch these individuals are continuing.

Police are also working to map the complete network behind the offence and to establish the distinct roles of each person connected to it.

The Handwara police reaffirmed their resolve to uphold peace, law and order and public security, and to act firmly against those indulging in unlawful activity. The public has been asked to stay watchful and to share any suspicious information with the nearest police station.

In the second matter, officials said properties of three accused were attached on Thursday in a case registered in 2023 at Handwara Police Station. FIR number 198/2023 was filed under sections 307, 302, 436, 120-B and 121-A of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), along with provisions of the EIMCO Act, the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act.

Those whose properties were attached are Gulam Rasool Bhat, son of Aziz Bhat of Jachaldara; Abdul Samad Mir, son of Gulam Mohammad Mir of Bawan, Jachaldara; and Shayar Ali Khatana, son of Sawaria Khatana of Butshangi, Jachaldara.

Revenue officials were present during the attachment. Police described the step as part of their continuing efforts to ensure legal proceedings in serious criminal cases.