A Kashmiri Pandit activist arrested on terror charges has allegedly manipulated and circulated terror threats during recent threats to Kashmiri Pandit employees in the Valley, police said.
The threats were purportedly issued by terrorist groups Soldiers of Resistance and United Liberation Council. The investigation has prima facie established the commission of an offence under cyber terrorism.
The threats were purportedly issued by terrorist groups Soldiers of Resistance and United Liberation Council. Rakesh Handoo was arrested from his residence in Faridabad, Haryana after a complaint filed by a Kashmiri Pandit employee Rohit Raina who was named and targeted in terror threat letters. “Witness statements recorded and CDR obtained. Arrest warrant obtained from the competent court. “Please Stop Media Trial of Rakesh Handu (Bunty) Media channels published news about Rakesh Handu without full verification. Who is he? In the 1990s, he stood with the Army when no one else did. He was picked up from Faridabad and lodged in Baramulla Jail under Sections 66F & 84C, but did any channel read the FIR, talk to the family, or verify the facts? No. Did any news channel even talk to the complainant to understand the background. This is not journalism, this is character assassination. We believe in the rule of law. Let the court decide.
Accused failed to join investigation despite three notices under Section 35(3) BNSS. The accused was arrested on 17.10.2026 following due legal procedure and two mobile phones seized and X account details obtained for technical examination,” said police. For 30 years, he stood for Kashmiri Pandits.
The investigation has prima facie established the commission of an offence under cyber terrorism, according to the police. Several Kashmiri Pandit leaders and activists, however, said that Handoo is being unfairly targeted and highlighted his role in helping security forces’ during the heyday of terrorism in Kashmir. Sujit Kumar, Inspector General of Police told NDTV that Baramulla police have got substantial evidence against the accused and following the serious charges, a police team has arrested Handoo from Faridabad. Eight social-media posts and relevant documentary evidence were seized, according to police. But give him a fair hearing, not a media trial,” said Sanjay Sapru in a social media post.
