One person was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a case registered under various sections of the Official Secrets Act, police said.
The Channi Himmat police station in Jammu received information from reliable sources that a secret document issued by police headquarters, containing security details, was circulating in WhatsApp groups ‘The Sree Times’ and ‘Aasman Newspaper,’ managed by Tarun Behl, allegedly with the intention to spread misinformation, according to a police statement.
Based on this information, an FIR was registered under sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act and sections 49 (punishment for abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence and no express provision is made for its punishment) and 353 (statements conducive to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The investigation commenced, police said.
“During the investigation, Tarun Behl was arrested and taken into police remand for four days,” the statement added, noting that further investigation of the case is ongoing.
The police also urged media houses and WhatsApp group admins not to upload or circulate information and documents that “jeopardize the security and sovereignty of the nation,” warning that strict action will be taken against those who act irresponsibly.