Kargil, Aug 17 (KNO): Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil Nitin Yadav on Monday said Police have registered an FIR following complaints over alleged derogatory remarks against revered religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini, stating that the investigation is underway.
Addressing a press conference, SSP Kargil, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said police received two complaints from different parts of Kargil, including Sankoo, Panikhar, Chiktan, Shargole and Kargil town.
He said the first complaint was received from IKMT, following which police initiated a preliminary inquiry under Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to ascertain whether prima facie facts were made out.
“During the inquiry, it was found that prima facie facts were made out regarding the remarks. Accordingly, police immediately registered an FIR,” Yadav said.
The SSP said the FIR was registered at Kargil Police Station under Section 299 of the BNSS, bearing FIR No. 78, and that further investigation has been initiated.
He said the statement of the complainant was recorded, while the Sheikh from Jagdati was called to Kargil Police Station three to four times for questioning.
Yadav said the Srinagar-based Sheikh also produced his mobile phone containing the message being circulated. “Now that we have registered the FIR, we will seize the mobile phone and subsequently send it to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed examination. Further action will be taken on the basis of the forensic report,” he said.
The SSP said the investigation is currently at an initial stage and no timeline can be fixed for its completion. Police will record remaining statements, question those involved in translating the viral message and establish its authenticity through forensic examination.
On the circulation of old videos on social media, Yadav appealed to people not to share content that could provoke tensions or hurt religious sentiments.
He urged the public to bring any inflammatory or provocative content to the notice of police so that appropriate action can be taken.
“Have faith in the police. Investigation is a confidential matter and every step cannot be disclosed publicly,” he said, adding that people can approach his office or the concerned SHO for updates regarding the investigation.
Yadav also acknowledged the support being extended by religious organisations, including ISK, IKMT, Al-Jumah and Saibe Zaman, to the Ladakh Police.
He said representatives of Al-Jumah and Saibe Zaman have assured police of their cooperation and assistance in providing evidence and helping trace the source of the circulating message—(KNO)