Police in Srinagar have registered cases against two political leaders for allegedly circulating misleading content online, as authorities tightened restrictions in parts of Kashmir following protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a statement, Srinagar Police said an FIR (02/2026) was registered against Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, under Sections 197(1)(d) (Criminalizes information endangering India’s sovereignty, unity or security) and 353(1)(b) (publishing information that causes alarm in public) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Cyber Police Station in Srinagar for what it termed the “circulation of misleading content”.
Another FIR (03/2026) was filed against Junaid Azim Mattu, a former mayor of Srinagar, on similar charges. Police said investigations were underway.
Responding to the case, Ruhullah Mehdi’s office said the administration had “failed to find the courage to condemn a sovereign nation’s leader being martyred” but had acted against “the one man who did”.
“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,” the statement said.
Separately, police said an earlier FIR (01/2026) had been filed against several individuals and online platforms for allegedly circulating “false and misleading” information aimed at disturbing public order. Some social media profiles had been identified and individuals summoned for questioning.
The action follows protests in parts of the Valley on Sunday after reports of Khamenei’s killing. Authorities imposed restrictions in Srinagar, erecting barricades around Lal Chowk and deploying security forces in several areas. Local reports said tear gas was used to disperse protesters.
Educational institutions across Kashmir continue to remain closed and some university examinations postponed following a shutdown call by the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama, a religious grouping headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Several Shia organisations supported the call.
Police urged citizens and media outlets to rely on official sources and warned that sharing unverified or inflammatory content online would invite legal consequences.