DODA: Two routine patrols in the mountainous district of Doda in Jammu and Kashmir led to the registration of separate criminal cases this weekend, after police said they found two men using virtual private network applications in violation of a district-wide ban imposed for security reasons.
A Prohibitory Order in a Sensitive District
The cases stem from prohibitory orders issued by the district magistrate of Doda, barring the use of virtual private network (VPN) services within the district. The order, according to police officials, was enforced strictly in recent days as part of heightened security measures. Authorities have said the ban was imposed on grounds that VPNs could be misused to conceal online activity and complicate monitoring efforts in a region that has long remained under close administrative scrutiny.
Local police units were instructed to ensure compliance during routine patrols, particularly in areas considered sensitive or prone to security concerns.
The First Arrest During Routine Patrol
On Saturday, a police team from the Bhagra Bharth post was conducting a routine patrol when officers noticed a man using a VPN application on his mobile phone. The individual was identified as Khalid Abrar.
According to a police spokesman, Abrar was questioned at the spot but failed to provide what officers described as a satisfactory explanation for his use of the application, despite the prohibitory orders in place. He was subsequently apprehended.
A cognisable report was forwarded to the Doda police station, leading to the registration of a first information report (FIR). The police said the case was registered in accordance with standard procedure following the alleged violation.
A Second Case in Gandoh
A similar incident was reported later in the day in another part of the district. Mohd Irfan, a resident of Tendla village in the Chilli area, was spotted at Shali Pul in Gandoh, police said, using a VPN application on his phone.
Officers determined that Irfan’s actions also violated the standing orders issued by the district administration. An FIR was registered against him at the Gandoh police station. Police officials said that Irfan was booked under relevant sections and that the matter is now under investigation.
Enforcement and Ongoing Investigation
Both cases, police said, are part of the enforcement drive following the district magistrate’s directive. Officials emphasized that the patrols were routine in nature and not based on prior intelligence about the individuals involved. Further investigation is underway in the Gandoh case, while proceedings related to the Doda police station FIR have begun.
