The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Cyber Police Station, Kashmir, has observed an alarming increase in inflammatory and sectarian posts being shared on various social media platforms, which pose a serious threat to communal harmony in the Valley.

Cyber Police Kashmir, according to the news agency KDC, has issued a stern advisory to all social media users, urging them to exercise caution and responsibility when posting or engaging in online discussions.

"It has come to our attention that certain individuals are circulating divisive and inflammatory content that could disrupt peace and cause sectarian tension in Kashmir. We strongly urge everyone to refrain from sharing or promoting such content," said the SP Cyber Police.

The SP further said that any individual found posting, sharing, or promoting sectarian, inflammatory, or provocative content aimed at disturbing public peace will face strict legal action under the relevant sections of the law.

The Cyber Police Kashmir urges citizens to be responsible and cooperate in maintaining the unity and tranquillity of Kashmir. The Cyber team will continue to monitor social media platforms to ensure that such malicious activities are curbed and that those violating the law are held accountable.

"We request the public to work with us to ensure peace and harmony in the Valley. Anyone engaging in or encouraging provocative content will be dealt with as per the law," added the SP.

For further information or to report any such content, citizens are encouraged to contact the Cyber Police Station.

SHOPIAN — District Police Shopian, in collaboration with The Kashmir Pulse news portal, organized a programme on cyber awareness at Government Degree College Shopian on Saturday. The program held in the college auditorium aimed at empowering individuals against cyber threats.

Among the key resource persons included chief guest SSP Shopian Ms Tanushree, IPS; ASP Shopian Showkat Rafiq Wani; DSP Headquarter Shopian; DSP DR; SHO Shopian; and State Taxation Officer Sarfaraz Ahmad. Sakeena Jabeen, the host and anchor, conducted the program proceedings.

The event drew a large audience, including school students, teacher faculties, and respected citizens. A cultural program presented by students entertained the audience and kept them engaged.

SSP Shopian Ms Tanushree reaffirmed the police's commitment to tackling emerging cybercrime threats, urging people, especially women, to approach the police with their concerns without any hesitation. She also said that people should not fall for lucrative offers online as these turn out to be scammers' tactics to victimize vulnerable netizens.

Showkat Rafiq Wani shared his experiences in dealing with cybercrime, recounting many cases and the tedious task of tracing cyber criminals to face the law. In a case of sextortion in Pulwama, he said, a victim lost over 55 lakh rupees, which the police managed to recover under his charge but he rued the poor knowledge people have about cyber criminals.

Sarfaraz Ahmad delivered an engaging and humorous presentation on emerging cyber threats and preventive measures, captivating the audience. His immersive style of addressing the audience captured their attention and was applauded for his efforts.

The program concluded with the presentation of mementoes and certificates to guests and participants, followed by a vote of thanks from Sakeena Jabeen.

It is pertinent to mention here that The Kashmir Pulse, known for organizing literary and awareness programs, has collaborated with government departments, including J&K Police and District Administration Pulwama, to educate the public on various issues.

Recently, it published an anthology titled "Perplexed Thoughts - Tales from Kashmir," featuring contributions from local writers and poets.

SRINAGAR — Cyber Police Kashmir has once again urged people to refrain from posting any provocative posts on social media.

The police has reminded social media users that any post in conflict with cyber laws will be dealt with as per legal norms.

"Attention, Social Media Users: Please refrain from sharing any provocative or inappropriate content from your handles. Maintaining social media hygiene is crucial for a safe, orderly environment," the Cyber Police said in a post on X as per the news agency Kashmir Scroll.

It further added, "Reminder: Any post in conflict with cyber laws will be dealt with swiftly and effectively as per legal norms. Let's work together to keep our digital space safe and respectful."

SRINAGAR — After allegedly circulating obscene content besides indulging in harassment on social media, the Cyber Police Kashmir on Thursday said that four accused persons were arrested by them in two separate cases.

As per the local news agency CNS, the Cyber Police Kashmir in a post on X said, “Cyber Police Kashmir have arrested four accused in two separate cases involving the circulation of obscene content and harassment on social media.”

One of the accused persons has been identified as Sheikh Muqadas Rafiq, a resident of Gulab Bagh, Srinagar, police said.

“In the second case, Junaid Hussain of Sonwar, Iflah Mir of Bagh-e-Mehtab and Naveed Mir of Pampore were arrested. We are committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals and will continue to combat cybercrimes rigorously (sic),” added Cyber Police Kashmir in another post on X.

SRINAGAR — A man from central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district allegedly posing as an Under Secretary in Raj Bhavan has been arrested by the Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence (CICE), Jammu.

As per the news agency CNS, SSP CICE J&K (Jammu) said, “The impersonator was apprehended by a team of Police Station CICE Jammu. Some incriminating material including fake ID cards, seals and other documents used in the commission of crime have also been seized from his possession.”

The accused has been identified as Firdous Ahmad Wagay son of Ghulam Nabi Wagay, a resident of Waskora, Ganderbal.

“After taking cognizance, a case FIR 03/2024 under relevant sections of law was registered in Police Station CICE Jammu against the impersonator,” said SSP CICE J&K.

It was further added that an investigation into the case is underway.

JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir’s Police chief R R Swain on Saturday said that foreign militants are getting some support from “our territory” and the police was mindful of the security situation in the region.

Addressing the year-end press conference in Jammu, DGP Swain, as per the news agency KNO, said that he has already admitted that there is a security situation in Rajouri-Poonch region. “There are foreign fighters who have some support coming from our territory. Their (those supporting foreign militants) number is very, very limited,” he said.

He added, “The foreign fighters hide in houses with the result that information flow is less. They hide in caves, jungles and wilderness.”

As far as the counter-strategy is concerned, DGP Swain said that the same can’t be discussed before the media. “We have discussed the issue and strategy at the top level. We will effectively deal with it,” he said.

Recently, four soldiers were killed and two others injured in Poonch district of Jammu when heavily armed militants attacked an army vehicle at Dera Ki Gali. After the incident, many civilians were taken for questioning and three civilians allegedly died in army custody which triggered a massive public outcry.

The incident had forced army chief General Manoj Pande and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit the area to calm the nerves. Union Minister Singh visited the hospital to meet the civilians allegedly tortured and also the families of three slain civilians. He assured them that justice will be delivered.

To a query that PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has alleged that she wasn’t allowed to meet the families of three slain in Poonch, DGP Swain said that the job of the police is to ensure that the visit is not leveraged in a malicious manner.

Replying to a query about whether Rajouri-Poonch region was going back to what it was between 1997 to 2003, the DGP said that police are mindful and that there is a gap between the past and present situation. “We will fill this gap…,” he said.

8000 fake social media handles identified in J&K: DGP Swain

J&K Police wasn’t fighting against the gun-wielding militants only but also the false narrative being spread by almost 8000 fake social media handlers sitting across with an aim to incite trouble and glorify terrorism, Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain said.

“Our battle is not against terrorists only but against the narrative which is being spread by 8000 fake social media handles—Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Their handlers are sitting across and their aim is to incite trouble and glorify terrorism. They peddle wrong information. We are acting against them under the ambit of law after differentiating the genuine and not-genuine,” he said.

He added, “We will act against them under IT Act 61. If the need arises, we will catch hold of them through Interpol.”

The year 2024 will witness a decisive battle against narco-terror. “The links between narco-terror, separatism and terrorism was already nailed in 2022,” he said.

He added, “Links of narco-terrorism have been found in Kashmir to Jammu to Punjab and Delhi. Other links including the handlers were traced in Paris, Canada and Turkey. In the recent case of the Ramban narco-terror module, the mastermind was traced in Turkey.”

DGP Swain said that police are mindful of cybercrime and the fact is that this crime is going under-reported and affecting more people than what police actually knows.

“We are upgrading the system and lot more needs to be done to prevent cybercrimes," he said, adding that a large amount was traced and given back to the people who were cheated through internet fraud and digital world frauds.

SRINAGAR — Cyber Police Kashmir took action after it received information concerning alleged fraudulent activities by a company named "Curative Survey Private Limited," operating through a deceptive website, which reportedly scammed and defrauded numerous individuals.

In an official statement, a spokesperson highlighted how victims were misled by the company, enticing them to invest their hard-earned money with promises of substantial returns, only to be deceived.

"The registered individuals were promised payment for undertaking those surveys. In the last few days, the company allegedly stopped due payment to persons registered with it, and its promoters and directors absconded," the spokesperson stated.

Following the gravity of the situation, Cyber Police Kashmir promptly registered a case, FIR No. 39/2023, invoking relevant sections of the IPC and IT Act, and commenced investigations based on details provided by some victims. These details revealed the company's alleged commitments of payments to individuals engaging in daily survey activities via their website.

The lure of easy money within a short timeframe attracted unsuspecting individuals to subscribe to what appears to be a fraudulent scheme, as indicated in the preliminary stages of the investigation.

As part of the ongoing inquiry, Cyber Police Kashmir has frozen several identified accounts operated by the company and sealed its registered offices following searches conducted at multiple locations. The searches yielded incriminating materials, including electronic devices and documents.

Efforts are underway to identify and investigate the promoters of the company, with a parallel focus on examining the roles of local office staff and individuals promoting these schemes on social media platforms.

In light of these events, authorities urge caution against online scams, advising individuals to meticulously verify the legitimacy of online schemes before investing their hard-earned money. They also encourage citizens affected by this scam to come forward and share relevant information with the investigation agency.

"The investigation of the case is being handled expeditiously," the statement concluded.

SRINAGAR — Cyber Police Kashmir initiated action against a purportedly fraudulent company, 'Curative Survey Private Limited,' accused of scamming individuals with false promises of exorbitant returns on investments. The company hoodwinked investors by doubling their money within 15 days, subsequently causing distress among the duped.

According to an FIR filed against the alleged company, it misleadingly lured individuals, primarily students and homemakers, into investing their savings. Initially receiving returns as promised, investors were later met with silence from the company, raising suspicions.

The FIR, invoking sections under the IT Act and IPC, outlined how the company deceived subscribers by abruptly disconnecting communication, triggering anguish and protests. Law enforcement took cognizance, filing FIR No. 39/2023 and initiating a probe led by an Inspector-rank officer.

Conducting searches and sealing the office at Karanagar, the cyber police raided five locations, confiscating electronic devices and crucial documents relevant to the financial scam. The total amount invested remains under investigation.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, assured stringent action against the culprits, emphasizing the need for cautious dealings in the era of rising online fraud. He affirmed that those involved in the deception will face legal consequences, urging vigilance before engaging in financial transactions to thwart potential scams.

SRINAGAR — After alleged abusive comments by some X (formerly Twitter) users to Kashmir Power DISCOM’s post amidst the unprecedented electricity scenario in Kashmir, the Cyber Police Kashmir has taken cognizance of the issue on the latter’s request.

As per the news agency CNS, the Kashmir Power DISCOM, which is an official account of the Managing Director KPDCL, posted on X, “URGENT! @CyberPoliceKMR @KashmirPolice Pl takes note of these abusive X handles using vituperative language against #KPDCL. Trace their ISPs/IDs and initiate action. @diprjk @OfficeOfLGJandK @Raj576113 @mussarat_zia @Muzamil_hassan_ @__Whoaasif @313_badr_1 @Jkpddparody.”

The request of the Kashmir Power DISCOM was responded to by the Cyber Police Kashmir with a reply on X as “@Cyberpolicekmr has taken cognizance of the matter. Action under the law is being initiated. @KashmirPolice @DIGCKRSGR @SrinagarPolice @IftkharTalib.”

SRINAGAR — The personal data of one million students of the University of Kashmir (KU) was hacked and put on sale as the varsity has fallen victim to a cyber attack.

The alleged database of the students has been put on sale for just $250 on a hacking forum by “ViktorLustig”. The name is inspired by the infamous con artist who “sold” the Eiffel Tower, not once but twice, International Business Times reported.

The threat actor has shared a database index to show the data he has in his possession. It claims to include student information, registration number, phone number, email address, password, employee data and more.

The database is listed on Breached Forums, the famous hacking forum that gained international attention earlier this month with a data breach exposing over 1 billion Chinese residents.

Journalist Abhishek Verma received a confirmation from the admin of the forum “pompompurin”, who said the alleged database is legitimate. According to Verma, who writes for Google, Andriod and DroidMaze, the database of more than one million students has been put on sale. Verma also shared the screenshot of the hacked webpage.

“Just spotted an alleged database of “University of Kashmir” being sold on a hacking forum. Threat actor goes by the name “ViktorLustig” selling the database of @KmrUniversity for $250,” Verma tweeted. “He shared a Database index showing what he has.”

“Additionally, the admin of the forum goes by the name “pompompurin” replied and confirms that the alleged database is legitimate” the tweet mentioned.

“The thread has been deleted from hacking forum. But the profile of threat actor “VictorLustig” is still active on the forum,” the journalist shared.

Data stands unmodified at Kashmir University: Officials

Authorities at the Kashmir University say the student data has not been hacked after reports surfaced that hackers breached the secure data.

A University official, as per news agency KDC, said the alleged breach is being analyzed and as per the preliminary analysis, it has been found that the data is unmodified.

"Any breach on data read (which is already accessible in the public domain) is being analyzed in-depth and depending upon the analysis, the University will take further course of action and take an appropriate legal recourse accordingly," the official said.

SRINAGAR — Cyber Police Kashmir Zone in its recent action against fraudsters have arrested two Nigerian fraudsters from New Delhi involved in duping a man from Baramulla for Rs 36.35 lacs in an online scam.

In a statement issued here, a police spokesperson said that they received a written application from a resident of Baramulla, alleging therein that while surfing Facebook, he came in contact with some unknown fake Facebook user T.Jessica, who impersonated a purchase manager of a renowned pharmaceutical company Abbott.

The said lady enticed the complainant through Facebook messages that she has been promoted as Secretary in the said company and eventually asked the complainant to start a business of Kandu Nut/Palm Seeds/Sea Nuts. The complainant was convinced/motivated by using fake offers, orders, high returns and emails etc. to purchase the said product.

He further stated that in order to purchase the said product, the said Facebook user forwarded the contact details of one seller namely Mrs Jyoti T Kandu to the complainant. A business conversation started between the complainant and the fraudster Mrs Jyoti for selling/buying of the said Kandu nuts.

“The complainant was assured by the said fraudster that the said nuts are valued very high in the pharmaceutical market, owing to their medicinal benefits. The complainant, without knowing the plot behind the fraud, invested a hefty amount of Rs 36.35 lacs by transferring the said amount in different bank accounts of fraudsters for purchasing 50 packets of Kandu Nuts,” he added.

The spokesperson further added that on receiving the consignment of 50 packets of Kandu nuts, the complainant received a fake call from the Mumbai Custom office wherein the complainant was directed to deposit more money in order to be able to sell the said Kandu Nuts to pharmaceutical companies. This created doubt in the mind of the complainant.

The complainant then tried to contact the provided contact details in order to verify the facts. However, he did not get any response and felt cheated/duped by the Facebook user. The complainant then approached Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone Srinagar and lodged a complaint.

Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 23/2022 under relevant sections of law was registered in Cyber Police Station Srinagar and an investigation was set into motion.

The spokesperson added that during the course of the investigation, it was found that the fraud has been done by the fraudsters under a highly technically built setup and accordingly the digital footprints of the accused persons involved in the commission of offence were tracked by analysis of bank accounts that have been used for siphoning money of the complainant. Besides, CCTV footage and analysis of suspect phone numbers by employing high-end technical investigative skills were also carried out.

Subsequently, two Nigerians were found involved in the offences and were tracked at Vashist Park Sagerpur New Delhi, PS Sagerpur.

Accordingly, on the directions of ADGP Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar, a special team of Cyber Police Station Srinagar proceeded to New Delhi. After strenuous efforts and with the assistance of Delhi Police, the team was successful in nabbing these two Nigerian national culprits namely Isioma Steven son of Alika and Collins son of Onwudengor, residents of Delta Agbor Nigeria, presently at Vashist Park Sagerpur New Delhi.

He added that the rented accommodation was raided and thoroughly searched and during searches, incriminating material including 14 cell phones of different make and models, one laptop, 14 SIM cards, one Wi-Fi router, one Wi-Fi dongle, six debit/credit cards and 45 packs of Kondu nuts/palm nuts were recovered from their possession.

“Investigation into the instant case is going on in full swing. More recoveries and arrests are expected,” he stated.