Published Jul 06, 2026 | 4:21 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 06, 2026 | 4:21 PM
Pahalgam terror attack
Synopsis: Investigators invoked provisions of the UAPA, stating that the preliminary inquiry revealed the alleged commission of serious offences warranting the addition of anti-terror law charges.
A 26-year-old man from Malappuram has been booked under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with an alleged social media post linked to the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Muhammed Sanoof, a native of Aikkarappadi, was taken into custody after arriving at Karipur International Airport from Saudi Arabia on Saturday, 4 July.
Immigration authorities intercepted him based on a lookout circular issued in connection with a case registered by the Muttam Police last year.
After being detained by the Karipur Police, he was handed over to the investigating team.
According to the police, the case stems from a Facebook comment allegedly posted by Sanoof on a video featuring the daughter of N Ramachandran, a Kerala native who was among those killed in the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
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The complaint was filed by a Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) functionary, following which a case was registered.
Investigators later invoked provisions of the UAPA, stating that the preliminary inquiry revealed the alleged commission of serious offences warranting the addition of anti-terror law charges.
However, the police didn’t specified what serious offences were discovered.
Reacting to the development, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged that the incident reflected the growing influence of extremist ideologies among a section of Kerala’s youth.
He described the arrest as a warning and accused the Congress and the CPI(M) of fostering an atmosphere of appeasement and political hypocrisy that, according to him, had contributed to such incidents.
On 22 April 2025, three armed militants targeted male tourists and a pony ride operator in Pahalgam, killing 26 unarmed civilians. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2025, striking terrorism-related infrastructure deep in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
