2 men booked for using VPN in Rajouri; 1 held

Two persons have been booked for using banned virtual private network (VPN) applications on their mobile phones in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, with one of them arrested, officials said on Tuesday.

The action was taken following strict enforcement of prohibitory orders issued by the Rajouri District Magistrate, banning the use of VPN services within the district. During routine checking at Dheri Raylote, a police team apprehended Mohammad Nasar after he was found using a VPN application on his mobile phone.

An FIR was registered against him at Police Station Manjakote on Monday, officials said. In another incident, Mohammad Mukhtar of Madhoon Dodaj village was found in possession of a mobile phone with a VPN application during checking.

He was also booked, and an FIR was filed at Police Station Darhal. Terrorist groups and their over-ground operatives often use VPN services to mask their digital footprint and evade surveillance, security agencies said.

Officials have once again advised the general public to adhere strictly to the restrictions imposed and refrain from using VPN services in violation of the District Magistrate’s orders.