Kashmiri Pandit activist Rakesh Handu arrested from Faridabad over cyber-terrorism case Kashmiri Pandit activist and RTI worker Rakesh Handu has been arrested by Baramulla Police from Faridabad in connection with a cyber-terrorism case. He is accused of circulating fake terror threat letters targeting migrant workers in Kashmir, prompting demands for a fair probe from the community. Kashmiri Pandit activist Rakesh Handu has been taken into custody from Faridabad in connection with an ongoing cyber-terrorism investigation. He faces serious allegations of circulating fake terrorist threat letters designed to target migrant employees and workers in the Kashmir valley. This high-profile development has triggered deep concern and sharp debate among members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, who are now pressing for a transparent and unbiased inquiry into the matter. Background of the Arrest and Legal Case Rakesh Handu, who is a Kashmiri Pandit and RTI activist also widely known by his nickname Bunty, was detained on October 17, 2026, by a specialized team of Baramulla Police from his residence in Faridabad, Haryana. At present, he is lodged in Baramulla Jail in connection with a criminal case registered in North Kashmir concerning cyber-terrorism. The formal legal proceedings stem from FIR number 151/2026, which was lodged at the Baramulla Police Station on September 12, 2026. The case has been booked under Section 66F of the Information Technology Act, which deals directly with cyber-terrorism, alongside Section 84C of the same legislation. This initial complaint was filed by another Kashmiri Pandit named Rohit Raina, who serves under the Prime Minister's Rehabilitation Package and is currently posted within the Finance Department in Baramulla. According to official documentation, the core allegations revolve around the repeated dissemination of electronic material through a public social media account. Investigators indicate that the controversial material is linked to a lesser-known militant outfit operating under the name United Liberation Council. The formal arrest memo also notes allegations that electronic content was allegedly tampered with and subsequently forwarded across digital platforms. Prior to executing the arrest, law enforcement authorities had issued a formal notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, directing Handu to present himself before the investigating officer. Summons, Police Stance, and Investigation Despite multiple summons being issued to him, Handu failed to join the active investigation proceedings. Addressing this, Handu maintained that he was residing securely in Faridabad and could not undertake travel to Kashmir due to severe and persistent security threats. He had formally requested the authorities to permit him to participate in the investigative process remotely through video conferencing. Upon his eventual detention, he was duly informed of the specific grounds for his arrest as well as his core legal rights, which include the right to consult legal counsel and seek bail from a competent court. The Jammu and Kashmir Police department has not released any elaborate official statements regarding this specific arrest so far. However, internal police sources suggest that this enforcement action forms an integral part of a much broader and ongoing investigation into the steady stream of threats directed at Kashmiri Pandit residents over recent months. A senior police official stated that Handu was consistently uploading digital posters that carried direct threats against Kashmiri Pandit individuals. The official further elaborated that even after authorities blocked several social media accounts of militant sympathizers within India who originally issued the threats, Rakesh was among the first individuals to repost and amplify those intimidating messages. Within his local community, Handu has maintained a prominent profile as an RTI activist and social worker. His documented public advocacy has primarily focused on championing the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandit populations. His past public initiatives include demanding enhanced security, safe residential accommodations, and comprehensive security audits for migrant employees working under the PM Package, alongside calling for thorough investigations into allegations of leaked private data belonging to these workers. Previous reports from September 2026 indicate that he had shared and exposed posts containing threats issued by the United Liberation Council against Kashmiri Pandit staff members. During those incidents, he had publicly tagged the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs, demanding that an immediate FIR be registered against the terror outfit and safe housing be arranged for the personnel without delay. Conversely, his supporters strongly argue that his persistent advocacy for the safety of PM Package workers must not be conflated with or linked to the alleged criminal offenses leveled against him. The arrest has generated considerable anxiety and widespread controversy across various factions of the Kashmiri Pandit community, who continue to demand absolute transparency and fairness in the investigation. What this means for you This high-profile legal action serves as a crucial benchmark regarding the digital dissemination of sensitive content and the stringent enforcement of cyber laws concerning migrant worker security. • Across India: Forwarding, resharing, or amplifying unverified or threatening material across public social media platforms can attract severe penal consequences under stringent cyber-terrorism legislation. Law enforcement agencies are displaying zero tolerance toward the digital amplification of terror threats nationwide. • In Faridabad and Baramulla: For residents in Faridabad, this operation highlights the extended reach of interstate police jurisdictions in handling cyber-related criminal investigations. Meanwhile, in Baramulla, the arrest has reignited community discussions surrounding employee safety protocols, housing security, and ongoing administrative grievances. Why this happened The legal action materialized following a formal criminal complaint lodged at the Baramulla Police Station regarding the online circulation of inflammatory and threatening digital materials. Several operational factors and statutory provisions drove the investigation forward. • FIR and Statutory Provisions: The investigation progressed on the basis of FIR number 151/2026 registered on September 12, 2026, invoking strict charges under Section 66F for cyber-terrorism and Section 84C of the Information Technology Act. • Dissemination of Threat Material: Law enforcement officials maintained that digital posters and threat letters originating from a militant group named the United Liberation Council were repeatedly altered and forwarded online, necessitating formal intervention. • Non-Compliance with Summons: Police authorities had issued a formal notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita directing the accused to join proceedings, but physical appearance was avoided citing security concerns in Kashmir. Questions & Answers 1. In which case was Rakesh Handu arrested? Rakesh Handu was arrested by Baramulla Police in connection with a cyber-terrorism case. 2. When and where did the arrest take place? The arrest took place on October 17, 2026, from his residence in Faridabad, Haryana. 3. Who filed the initial complaint in this case? The complaint was filed by Rohit Raina, a fellow Kashmiri Pandit working under the Prime Minister's Rehabilitation Package. 4. At which police station was the FIR registered? The case was registered as FIR number 151/2026 at the Baramulla Police Station on September 12, 2026. 5. Under which legal sections has the case been booked? The case has been booked under Section 66F for cyber-terrorism and Section 84C of the Information Technology Act. 6. Which organization is linked to the disputed material? The material is reported to be linked to a lesser-known militant group named the United Liberation Council. https://trendkia.com/en/jammu-kashmir/kashmiri-pandit-activist-rakesh-handu-arrested-from-faridabad-over-cyber-terrorism-case-52755 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.