Dehradun: Uttarakhand Director General of Police Deepam Seth (IPS: 1995: UK) has directed intelligence and police units to step up monitoring of social media platforms following inputs about Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associates allegedly attempting to radicalise young people through online platforms.
Seth issued the directions during a review meeting of the state’s intelligence and security arrangements at the Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Dehradun. Senior officers, including DG Intelligence and Security Abhinav Kumar and IG STF Nilesh Anand Bharne, attended the meeting.
Special Vigilance Ordered Over Bhatti-Linked Online Activity
The DGP directed district police units to maintain special vigilance in view of intelligence inputs regarding Bhatti’s social media activity and arrests of alleged associates linked to his network.
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The Uttarakhand Police review specifically called for attention to the possibility of young people being influenced through social media. The directions included keeping a “special vigilance” on such activities and monitoring developments at the district level.
According to reports, the state is also moving towards dedicated social-media monitoring arrangements at the state and district levels to track activities linked to the network.
ATS to Study Operations of Larger States
Seth also directed the Uttarakhand Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) to study the functioning and successful operations of police forces in larger states and upgrade its operational capabilities.
The review focused on strengthening the state’s preparedness against evolving terror-related threats and improving coordination between intelligence and security units.
‘Prahar’ Anti-Terror Policy to Be Implemented
The DGP also directed officials to ensure effective implementation of ‘Prahar’, described in the meeting as the country’s anti-terrorism policy.
The policy is to be implemented in Uttarakhand alongside measures aimed at strengthening counter-terror preparedness and coordination among security agencies.
Security Tightened Ahead of Elections and Major Events
The meeting also reviewed security arrangements in view of the upcoming Uttarakhand Assembly elections, major religious events and the Kumbh Mela.
Seth directed officials to strengthen the security of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other VVIPs visiting the state.
Police units have also been asked to respond quickly to misleading or fake information on sensitive issues. The DGP directed officials to issue fact-checks where necessary to prevent misinformation from affecting law and order.
Inter-Agency Coordination Along China, Nepal Borders
Special attention was also directed towards districts bordering China and Nepal.
The police will coordinate with agencies including the SSB, ITBP, Army and Intelligence Bureau to strengthen security and monitor suspicious activities and possible infiltration along the international borders.
The review comes amid wider national action against the Shahzad Bhatti network. The Ministry of Home Affairs said in August that security agencies had detained 253 people across 14 states in operations against the network and registered more than 80 FIRs.
About Deepam Seth
Deepam Seth is a 1995-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttarakhand cadre and is currently serving as the Director General of Police, Uttarakhand. He took charge as the state’s 13th DGP in November 2024.
During his career, Seth has served in several key policing and central-deputation roles, including SP Tehri Garhwal, Commandant of PAC, SSP Nainital, DIG Garhwal, DIG Crime and Law & Order, IG Crime and Law & Order, IG Special Task Force, IG ITBP and ADG SSB. He also served as a Project Manager with the United Nations Peace Mission in Kosovo.
His service recognitions include the United Nations Medal for service in Kosovo (2004), Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2011), and President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2021).
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