Kashmiri Pandit activist Rakesh Handoo, also known as Bunty, has been arrested by Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with an investigation into the alleged circulation of militant threat posters targeting minority employees and migrant workers in the Kashmir Valley.
Handoo was arrested from his residence in Faridabad, Haryana, on October 17 by a team of Baramulla Police, reportedly with assistance from local police. He was subsequently brought to Kashmir.
The case was registered under FIR No. 151/2026 at Baramulla Police Station under Sections 66F and 84C of the Information Technology Act. The investigation reportedly began following a complaint by Rohit Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit employee under the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package, posted in the Finance Department in Baramulla.
Allegations Linked to Threat Posters
According to investigators, the case concerns the alleged circulation, modification and repeated sharing of electronic material through a publicly accessible social media account purportedly linked to the United Liberation Council (ULC), also referred to in some accounts as the Resistance United Liberation Council (RULC).
The alleged threat material reportedly targeted minority employees and migrant workers in the Valley, triggering concern among members of the community.
A senior police officer cited rivalry between Handoo and complainant Rohit Raina as a possible factor behind the threat posters, according to reports. Police have not issued a detailed public statement on the arrest.
Handoo Says Security Concerns Prevented His Appearance
According to reports citing sources, investigators had issued notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), asking Handoo to appear for questioning.
Handoo has reportedly maintained that he was living in Faridabad and could not travel to Kashmir because of security concerns. He had allegedly requested permission to participate in the investigation through video conferencing.
Handoo had earlier demanded an investigation into the threat posters and sought the identification of those responsible for their circulation.
Arrest Raises Concerns Among Supporters
Lok Janshakti Party leader and Kashmiri Pandit politician Sanjay Saraf has expressed support for Handoo, calling for a transparent and impartial legal process.
Saraf said Handoo’s arrest and detention had caused concern among those familiar with his work, while stressing that the allegations should be investigated and the activist should be treated fairly.
He also said the Kashmiri Pandit community believed in justice and the rule of law and hoped the investigation would establish the facts.
Threats Against Kashmiri Pandits, Migrant Workers
The arrest comes months after threat posters purportedly issued by ULC circulated on social media in August, targeting Kashmiri Pandit employees recruited under the Prime Minister’s employment package. The threats reportedly prompted the government to send employees on leave.
The Valley has also witnessed targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits and migrant workers in previous years. In August, two brick kiln workers from Chhattisgarh were killed in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Handoo, 59, had contested the 2008 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election from Srinagar’s Hazratbal constituency against National Conference president Farooq Abdullah but lost.
