Raids at J-K scribes’ houses: Police say due process of law being followed

Srinagar, Sep 9 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday said it was following due process of law in connection with recent raids at houses of four journalists here.

IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar asserted that security force was t “harassing” scribes, and only doing its job while investigating a sensitive case.

He advised media t to spread "false news” or “narratives which may amount to unnecessary interference" in investigation.

"Those involved in case will be arrested as and when adequate evidences are collected against m," officer added.

police had on Wednesday conducted searches at residence of Hilal Mir, Shah Abbas, Azhar Qadri and Showkat Mitra, and later took m to a police station for questioning. y were released later in evening that day, but ir laptops and mobile phones were seized for technical evaluation.

Giving details of investigation so far, a police spokesman said matter came to fore when security personnel were probing ar case registered at Kothibagh Police Station.

police came across credible evidence which linked four journalists to a blog with “sensitive” content, he said.

On basis of evidences collected, searches were conducted at four different places after obtaining proper search warrants from competent court of law, spokesman said.

"For purpose of investigation, all above four persons were called for questioning and were allowed to go in evening and have been directed to present mselves again on Friday," he said.

Many mobile numbers belonging to those in Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have been found. scribes have also been found to be in contact with various virtual numbers, spokesman added.

PTI MIJ SRY