Police have registered a case against four individuals, including a government teacher, for allegedly fabricating a false narrative of police torture and spreading misinformation on social media in Rajouri district.
The incident revolves around a viral photograph showing a man, Mohammad Arif of Gundi village in Khawas tehsil, with what appeared to be blood stains on his chin and around his mouth. It was claimed that Arif had been brutally beaten at the Khawas police post, resulting in serious injuries including the breaking of three teeth.
The police took immediate cognizance of the viral claim and appointed Budhal Superintendent of Police (Operations), Wajahat Hussain, to conduct a thorough inquiry.
Authorities said they found the entire story to be fabricated. They said that a colouring agent was deliberately applied to Arif’s face to simulate blood and injuries, apparently to mislead the public and generate false outrage.
An FIR was subsequently registered at Budhal police station under relevant legal provisions against Mohammad Arif, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shakil Ahmed, and Mohammad Ashraf — the latter identified as a government teacher — all residents of Gundi.
Police stated that further legal proceedings and investigations are ongoing to ensure accountability.
