Jammu and Kashmir Police seized and later returned the mobile phone of senior journalist Jehangir Ali, correspondent for The Wire, from his residence in Charar-i-Sharief town. The incident raised concerns over media harassment in the region.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, officers from Budgam district took the device on Wednesday evening without presenting a warrant or court order. The Wire reported no hash value was provided for data integrity, violating Supreme Court guidelines on digital seizures.
The outlet connected the action to Ali’s investigative reports on alleged corruption in the Ratle hydro power project involving BJP legislators in Kishtwar. Ali was preparing follow-ups when the seizure occurred.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticised the move on X as part of efforts to silence non-compliant journalism in Kashmir. Press organisations highlighted patterns of raids and device confiscations.
The phone was returned on Thursday after about 20 hours. Ali stated on social media his gratitude to editors Siddharth Varadarajan and Seema Chishti, along with supporters, for standing by him during the ordeal.
Police provided no explanation for the seizure or return. No charges were filed against Ali.
The Chenab Times News Desk