Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi for allegedly posting false and misleading content on social media. Former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Matoo has also been named in the same case.
The action follows Mehdi’s vocal criticism of the US-Israel military strike on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a figure deeply revered by Shia Muslims across the world. The MP had shared videos on social media showing protests in Kashmir and the alleged beating of a woman protester by security forces during Monday’s clashes.
Why Was the FIR Filed?
Police said the case was registered after receiving credible inputs about the spread of “false, fabricated and misleading content” across digital and social media platforms. Authorities said the posts were intended to create fear, disturb public order, and encourage unlawful activities.
“Such deliberate attempts to spread misinformation pose a serious threat to peace, security, and overall stability,” police said in an official statement, adding that an investigation is underway and further legal action will follow.
The charges have been filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that deal with publishing false or misleading information, acts that threaten the sovereignty, unity, and security of India, and conduct likely to cause public alarm or incite offences against the State.
Ruhullah Hits Back: “My Mandate Does Not Expire With an FIR”
The MP is not backing down. His office responded sharply to the FIR on X, saying: “The same administration that couldn’t find the courage to condemn a sovereign nation’s leader being martyred now finds the courage to book the one man who did.”
Mehdi made clear that the case would not silence him. “The people of Srinagar did not elect their MP to recite government-approved condolences. They elected him to speak truth. That mandate does not expire with an FIR,” his office said.
Security Withdrawn, Facebook Suspended But Mehdi Remains Defiant
Before the FIR was filed, Mehdi had already alleged that his security detail was scaled down and that his Facebook account had been suspended. He did not hold back in his response.
“Some fools in J&K Police and administration think that by withdrawing my security detail and suspending my Facebook account they will stop me from calling out their atrocities. It is laughable,” he posted on X.
The estranged National Conference leader, who shares a cold relationship with the party’s top leadership, drew strength from his late father’s legacy. His father, Aga Syed Mehdi Mustafa, was killed by terrorists.
“Neither am I fascinated by these petty things nor scared by their absence around me. My father was martyred standing for his people. That’s what fascinates me. That’s my course,” Mehdi said.
He also issued a pointed message to the authorities: “I am a citizen of this country and I will exercise my rights to stand up against your atrocities, violation of laws, freedom and democracy given to us by the Constitution to the last drop of my blood. Take whatever little security you have left there. These foolish acts will not stop me.”
Police Also Target Media Outlets and Social Media Handles
The crackdown has gone beyond the MP. Police have filed a separate FIR against multiple media outlets and social media handles as part of what they described as action against a “fake news and misinformation network.” Facebook pages of three prominent Srinagar newspapers have been taken down.
Authorities said they have taken serious note of the deliberate spread of false and fabricated information by certain news channels, media outlets, and individuals on electronic and social media platforms. Several profiles have been identified, and the individuals behind them have been summoned to the Cyber Cell of Jammu and Kashmir Police.
“Investigation is actively underway, and strict legal action will follow against anyone found involved,” police said.
