A 26-year-old man has been taken into custody under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly making social media posts that endorse the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Police officials confirmed the arrest on Monday, stating that the accused, Muhammad Sanoof, hails from Aikkarappadi in Kerala’s Malappuram district. His arrest occurred on Sunday at Kozhikode’s Karipur Airport upon his return from Saudi Arabia, following a lookout circular issued against him.

Officials at Muttam Police Station reported that provisions of the UAPA were enforced after investigators interrogated Sanoof and reviewed content on his mobile device. The case originated from comments purportedly made by Sanoof in response to a social media post by the daughter of N Ramachandran, one of the victims of the April 22, 2025, terror attack that tragically resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and one local resident.

The police registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint lodged by a leader associated with the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). In addition to UAPA charges, Sanoof is also facing allegations of inciting hostility between different religious communities. Following his arrest, he was remanded to judicial custody while authorities indicated intentions to request custodial interrogation.

Potential Future Investigations

Law enforcement indicated that the investigation into Sanoof’s activities could potentially be reassigned to either the Crime Branch or the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The examination of Sanoof’s digital communications is expected to play a critical role in determining the extent of his involvement and any possible connections to larger extremist networks or ideologies.

The police have asserted that ongoing investigations will scrutinise any other individuals who may have been complicit in similar activities on social media, contributing to the justification of violent acts. These investigations reflect a growing concern over the use of digital platforms for disseminating radical views that can incite violence.

As part of their inquiry, officials will focus on gathering evidence that substantiates links between Sanoof’s comments and the broader context of radicalisation in the region. The implications of this case may extend beyond individual actions, raising questions about the influence of social media on public sentiment and behaviour.

Political Reactions to the Arrest

The arrest has prompted reactions from political figures, notably from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the party’s state president in Kerala, expressed concern regarding the circumstances that led to Sanoof’s mindset. He questioned how a young individual from Kerala could become radicalised enough to openly celebrate the violent actions of the Pahalgam attackers.

Chandrasekhar characterised the incident as a “wake-up call” and suggested it reflects a more significant trend linked to historical political appeasement practices. He accused the Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) of fostering a political climate conducive to radicalisation through what he described as a hypocrisy detrimental to Kerala’s welfare.

Emphasising the need for a change in political approach, Chandrasekhar asserted that Kerala’s progression lies in aligning more closely with national development. He urged the necessity for a move away from divisive politics towards a focus on governance and performance, underscoring the potential dangers of the current political landscape.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share