DODA, May 16 (The Chenab Times) – Police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district have detained several individuals for using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in violation of a district-wide ban, according to a statement issued by the District Police Headquarters on Friday.
The arrests follow an order issued on May 2, 2025, by District Magistrate Harvinder Singh, prohibiting VPN use under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing threats to public safety, cybersecurity, and national security, The Chenab Times reported earlier. The directive, which applies to all individuals, institutions, cyber cafes, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), is set to remain in effect for two months unless rescinded earlier.
The police statement said technical surveillance uncovered multiple users bypassing internet restrictions through VPNs, prompting swift action by law enforcement to identify and apprehend the violators. Those detained are currently under questioning, with further legal action to be pursued under relevant laws, the statement added.
“District Police Doda reminds everyone residing in the jurisdiction of Doda through the medium of this release that VPN usage is prohibited and should not be used till the order remains in force,” the statement read, warning that violations of administrative orders will attract “strict penal consequences.”
The crackdown comes amid heightened security measures in the region following the April 22, 2025, militant attack in Pahalgam, which killed 25 non-local tourists and a local resident. Authorities have since intensified efforts to curb digital activities perceived as threats, including banning Pakistan-linked websites and social media accounts and restricting VPN use to prevent access to prohibited content.
The police reiterated their commitment to upholding law and order but provided no details on the number of detentions or specific penalties. The Chenab Times was unable to reach the District Police Headquarters for further comment by press time.
The blanket VPN ban and subsequent arrests may disrupt residents, businesses, and students who rely on VPNs for secure communications and access to restricted resources, as no exemptions were outlined in the original order. The Chenab Times will continue to monitor the situation for further developments.
Abrar Batt is a CT correspondent. Read More