Jammu and Kashmir Police's counter-intelligence Unit raids Srinagar Central jail, seizes digital devices

The operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the misuse of communication devices in sensitive establishments, including prisons, and to investigate terror-related activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted a large-scale search operation at the Central Jail in Srinagar. This operation was carried out in coordination with jail authorities, with the objective of dismantling a suspected illicit communication network operating from within the jail, pursuant to a warrant issued by the Special NIA Court in Srinagar.

Teams searched multiple blocks and barracks throughout the jail to identify illicit communication points.

During the search operation, digital communication devices and other incriminating materials were recovered and seized. Officials privy to the matter said that the devices and materials would be sent for forensic examination to establish links to wider terror networks.

“We have recovered and seized digital communication devices and other incriminating materials that will be sent for forensic examination to establish links to wider terror networks,” officials said.

ALSO READ | 125 days of continuous daylight: Discover 10 places where the sun never sets

An investigation is underway to find out the source of how these devices were smuggled into a high-security facility, with authorities also probing whether there was any involvement of insiders and outside facilitators in enabling this security lapse.

“A parallel investigation is now underway to determine how these devices were smuggled into a high-security facility. Authorities are also closely scrutinizing the potential involvement of insiders and outside facilitators in enabling this security lapse,” an official added.

Ongoing terror investigation

A case was registered under Sections 153-A, 505, 121, and 120-B of the IPC, along with Sections 13 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The raid was part of an ongoing investigation into FIR No. 06/2023, registered at Police Station CI Kashmir. The case involves serious offences under the IPC (Sections 153-A, 505, 121, and 120-B) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (Sections 13 and 39).

The action followed technical inputs that detected “suspicious digital signatures” originating from the high-security prison premises.

The operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the misuse of communication devices in sensitive establishments, including prisons, and to investigate terror-related activities in Jammu and Kashmir, IANS reported, quoting an official privy to the matter.

What is CIK?

Counter-Intelligence Kashmir is a part of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and is tasked with responsibilities related to counter-intelligence operations.

Over the years, this wing has achieved commendable results in countering hostile conspiracies and exposing plots hatched against the country's sovereignty and integrity. Furthermore, the wing specifically conducts verification checks on individuals suspected of having links with terrorists.

ALSO READ | Jammu and Kashmir police seize Rs 3.5 crore assets of Srinagar drug smugglers