Kashmiri Pandit activist Rakesh Handu ‘Bunty’ arrested in cyberterrorism case, community seeks fair probe

Kashmiri Pandit activist and RTI campaigner Rakesh Handu, popularly known as Bunty, was arrested by a Baramulla Police team from his residence in Faridabad, Haryana, on October 17, 2026. He is currently lodged in Baramulla Jail in connection with a cyberterrorism case registered earlier in north Kashmir.

The case stems from FIR No. 151/2026, registered on September 12, 2026, at Baramulla Police Station under Sections 66F (cyberterrorism) and 84C of the Information Technology Act. The complaint was filed by Rohit Raina, another Kashmiri Pandit who works under the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package and is posted in the Finance Department in Baramulla.

According to official documents, the allegations centre on the repeated circulation of electronic material through a publicly accessible social media account. The material was purportedly linked to the lesser-known terror outfit United Liberation Council (ULC). The arrest memo also refers to the alleged alteration and transmission of electronic content.

Police had earlier issued notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), directing Handu to appear before the investigating officer. He did not join the investigation despite multiple summons. Handu stated that he was residing in Faridabad and cited security threats that prevented him from travelling to Kashmir. He had also requested permission to participate in the proceedings through video conferencing.

He was informed of the grounds for his arrest and his legal rights, including access to a lawyer and the right to seek bail.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have not issued a detailed public statement on the arrest. Police sources, however, have linked the action to a broader investigation into threats allegedly issued against Kashmiri Pandits in recent months.

A police officer said Handu “continuously used to upload posters containing threats to Kashmiri pandits. Even after accounts of terrorist supporters that issue threats in India are blocked, Rakesh was among the first ones to post those threats.”

The officer added that the investigation was proceeding according to law and that “no innocent will be harmed, and the law will take its course.”

Handu is known within the community for his work as an RTI and social activist, focusing on the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, security concerns involving migrant employees recruited under the PM Package, demands for secure housing and security audits, and investigations into alleged leaks of employees’ personal data.

Earlier reporting in September 2026 showed Handu sharing and highlighting threatening posters allegedly issued by the ULC against Kashmiri Pandit employees. He had tagged the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), demanding that FIRs be registered against the outfit and that secure transit accommodation be provided immediately.

His supporters argue that his advocacy for the security of PM Package employees should not be conflated with the alleged offences in the cyberterrorism case.

The arrest has sparked concern and controversy among sections of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Lok Jan-Sakti leader Sanjay Saraf has publicly supported Handu, calling for a transparent and impartial investigation and insisting that due process be followed.

In a social media post, Saraf said Handu’s arrest in Faridabad and subsequent detention in Baramulla Jail had caused deep concern among those familiar with his work. He stressed that the allegations must be thoroughly investigated, while Handu must be treated fairly and afforded dignity and due process.

“The Kashmiri Pandit community believes in justice and the rule of law,” Saraf said, expressing hope that the investigation and judicial process would establish the facts.

Online campaigns seeking Handu’s release have also emerged among community members and supporters, with #FreeBunty gaining attention on social media.

As of the latest reports, no chargesheet or detailed public statement from the police has been released. The investigation remains ongoing, while members of the community continue to call for transparency, fairness and due process.