Kashmiri Pandit Activist Arrested in Haryana Over Threat Letters to Employees in J&K

Rakesh Handoo was arrested by a team of Baramulla Police in Faridabad on October 17 in connection with threats circulated in August, according to the police. The letters reportedly contained the names and contact details of Kashmiri Pandit employees.

Police have invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and cyber-related provisions in the case. The allegations against Handoo remain under investigation and have not been established in court.

Inspector General of Police for the Kashmir zone, Sujit Kumar, said investigators had gathered substantial clues pointing to Handoo’s alleged involvement.

Threat Letters Trigger Anxiety Among Employees

The letters sparked concern among Kashmiri Pandits appointed under the Prime Minister’s special employment package, with hundreds of government employees staying away from their workplaces in the Valley for nearly three weeks amid security fears.

The episode prompted authorities to address the safety concerns of employees and examine the circumstances surrounding the threats.

The case has also drawn attention to the impact of the letters on the community’s government workforce, particularly those recruited under the special employment initiative.

Police Cite Repeated Summons Before Arrest

According to the grounds of arrest served on Handoo’s wife on October 17, the case involves a non-bailable offence.

Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on September 21 and directed Handoo to appear before investigators in Baramulla on September 26.

Officials said he failed to appear despite repeated summons, following which a police team was sent to Faridabad to arrest him.

The investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threats and the motive behind them.

Possible Links Under Investigation

The arrest comes against the backdrop of security operations following threats and targeted attacks on migrant workers during July and August. Authorities subsequently launched a crackdown in which more than 3,000 people were reportedly arrested on suspicion of being overground workers linked to terrorist groups.

However, officials have not publicly established any terrorist links involving Handoo or confirmed whether he allegedly acted at the direction of any such organisation.

Investigators are continuing to examine the motive behind the threat letters and whether anyone else was involved.

Handoo had contested the 2008 Assembly election against National Conference president Farooq Abdullah from the Hazratbal constituency in Srinagar district.

The police investigation remains ongoing, and further details about the case are awaited.