India has allegedly launched a new wave of fake encounters under the banner of “Operation Mahadev,” raising fresh concerns over human rights abuses. According to security sources, this covert military campaign comes in the aftermath of the failed Operation Sindoor and is aimed at salvaging the Modi government’s declining political credibility.
Staged Operations to Mask Military Failures
Operation Mahadev reportedly follows the same strategy as previous false flag missions. Intelligence suggests that Indian forces plan to use illegally detained Pakistanis in staged encounters, presenting them as infiltrators or militants. The move appears to be an attempt to rewrite the narrative after the embarrassment of Operation Sindoor, which failed to achieve its strategic objectives in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Sources familiar with regional security dynamics believe this operation is being used to boost domestic political standing. By showcasing fabricated military successes, the Indian government aims to regain public trust and assert control over the rising dissent in Kashmir.
Pattern of Abductions and Forced Confessions
Security officials reveal a disturbing trend: abducted Pakistani nationals, many from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, are being held in Indian prisons without trial. In some cases, detainees are believed to be in secret custody under Indian intelligence agencies. These individuals are often presented before the media after so-called encounters, sometimes with forced confessions and statements against Pakistan.
Read: China Pushes for Global Consensus on Safe AI Development
This tactic was also used in the recent Pahalgam incident, widely condemned as a false flag operation. Following that event, Indian forces reportedly initiated a series of encounters targeting alleged cross-border militants, though many observers now believe these incidents were staged using innocent detainees.
Recent Killings at the Border
On April 24, 2025, two Pakistani citizens — Muhammad Farooq and Muhammad Deen — were martyred near the Line of Control (LoC) after unintentionally crossing into Indian territory. Reports indicate that Indian troops executed the men in what has been described as a deliberate and staged encounter.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan later provided detailed evidence during press briefings held on April 29 and 30. According to ISPR, there are currently 723 Pakistani nationals being held illegally in Indian prisons. Furthermore, 56 others are believed to be in undisclosed custody, raising serious concerns about the fate of those being used in such operations.
Visual Propaganda and Media Manipulation
Indian media routinely broadcasts images and footage from these encounters, displaying the deceased alongside planted weapons. This serves to reinforce official claims and manufacture consent among the domestic audience. However, rights groups and international observers have raised doubts about the authenticity of these encounters and questioned the credibility of such evidence.
Sources suggest that those detained may also be subjected to psychological pressure or torture to deliver anti-Pakistan statements before their deaths, further bolstering fabricated Indian narratives.
Historical Pattern of Abuse in IIOJK
The Indian Army’s history in IIOJK is marked by repeated allegations of fake encounters. Numerous reports have documented cases where civilians were killed and falsely labeled as militants. Operation Mahadev appears to be the latest iteration of this long-standing tactic — a way to crush Kashmiri resistance while shaping a narrative of military success.
Indian security forces, already accused of widespread abuses in the region, seem to be resorting once again to methods that violate international law. With every staged operation, the situation in Kashmir deteriorates, fueling more unrest and mistrust.
A Desperate Bid for Control
India’s back-to-back failures in Kashmir — including the Pahalgam operation and Operation Sindoor — have left the Modi administration politically vulnerable. Operation Mahadev is viewed by analysts as a desperate bid to reassert dominance over Kashmir and deflect attention from diplomatic failures.
As international scrutiny grows, so too does the risk of regional instability. Without transparency and accountability, the cost of these fake encounters may extend far beyond the borders of IIOJK.
Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,, X and TikTok for latest updates
