In a shocking turn of events that stirred intense public discussion, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted a major raid at the Jammu office of Kashmir Times on the morning of 20th November.

During this operation, officials reported the recovery of several firearm-related materials, including AK-47 cartridges, pistol rounds, and three grenade levers. The fact that such items were found inside the premises of a media organisation sent waves of surprise and concern across the region.

According to officials, this raid was part of a continuing investigation into activities that were believed to be harmful to the security and interests of the nation. The SIA team arrived early in the morning and carried out an extensive search across different parts of the English-language newspaper’s office. They checked computers, inspected digital devices, examined files, and went through documents stored in various sections. During this detailed operation, investigators confirmed that the seized items were indeed weapons-linked materials, raising serious questions about the misuse of the office premises.

Following the discovery, a case was registered against the newspaper and its promoters, including Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin. They were booked under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which deals with promoting unlawful and anti-national activities. Sources said that Anuradha Bhasin will be questioned by SIA officials regarding her connections and her possible role in what investigators believe may be a coordinated publicity network designed to promote anti-national narratives.

Officials described the raid as part of a wider crackdown aimed at identifying and acting against individuals and groups involved in spreading anti-terror propaganda. They mentioned that the investigation is far from over and more summons and questioning sessions are expected. Kashmir Times, founded by well-known journalist Ved Bhasin and currently run by his daughter Anuradha Bhasin, has previously been under scrutiny as well. In 2020, authorities sealed its Srinagar office. The newspaper had already stopped its print edition a few years ago and now operates only in a digital format.

Liberals rush to defend Kashmir Times

Minutes after the raid became public, several journalists, activists, and political commentators began posting on social media, framing the SIA action as an attack on press freedom instead of a serious security-related operation. Their immediate reactions sparked a heated debate online.

Senior journalist Suhasini Haidar shared her response on X, writing: “Criticising the government is not the same as being inimical to the state”, and tagging the official account of Kashmir Times. Her comment suggested that, according to her interpretation, the newspaper was being targeted mainly for its critical views rather than for any involvement in unlawful activities.

Kashmir Times also issued a public statement on X. The post read: “SIA Raids: Another Attempt to Silence Us.” In its message, the paper described all accusations as “baseless”, and further claimed that its Jammu office had actually been closed for the last four years. The post also called the operation a “coordinated crackdown”, adding that the organisation had not received any formal notice or explanation from authorities before the raid.

These reactions drew strong attention as many commentators continued to frame the incident as a press freedom issue, even though officials had already confirmed the recovery of AK-47 cartridges, pistol rounds, and grenade levers from the office. The contrasting portrayals deepened the public debate over the true nature of the situation.

Delhi Red Fort blast and linked investigations

As the controversy around the raid continued, investigators were also focusing on the major blast that occurred near Delhi’s Red Fort on 10th November. This car explosion resulted in the loss of 13 lives and left more than two dozen people injured. The prime accused in the attack was identified as Dr Umar un Nabi, who authorities say was an important member of a radicalised group planning larger acts of terror.

According to ongoing investigations, the group had been preparing for a Hamas-style drone strike similar to the attack carried out in Israel in October 2023. Interrogation reports and forensic examinations revealed that the accused were working on modifying commercial drones and trying to design crude rockets capable of carrying explosive materials.

Another suspect, Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, was arrested in Srinagar for helping the group create long-endurance drones that could carry heavy explosive loads. Investigators also said that he assisted in adapting drones to provide live video transmissions during possible attacks. Officials believe the module intended to use these weaponised drones to target a crowded public area and cause mass casualties.

During the investigation, video material also surfaced showing Umar un Nabi describing suicide bombing as a “profound religious act” rather than an act of violence. This footage is now being analysed to understand the extremist motivations behind the Red Fort blast plan.

Authorities are also looking into potential connections between this Delhi-based module and handlers in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials suspect that the same network may have links with groups attempting to push propaganda through certain media platforms that are now under SIA investigation.