In a significant development, the Chhattisgarh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has taken two underage individuals into custody in Raipur due to suspected ties with a Pakistan-based ISIS module. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma disclosed that this marks the initial instance of such an incident within the state and assured that investigations are underway to uncover any further involvement. The boys are accused of acting under the guidance of ISIS operatives and actively spreading extremist ideologies via social media, particularly Instagram, using fabricated online profiles.
Sharma, who also holds the portfolio for the home department, elaborated that the detained youths were drawn to extremist material and were attempting to recruit or influence others online. They possessed considerable digital information and were actively using the internet and social media under the guise of the ISIS name.
Authorities have invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the minors. The government plans to bolster the ATS, especially in key urban centers across Chhattisgarh, to enhance its capacity to identify and apprehend individuals associated with terrorist organizations. Sharma urged citizens to be vigilant and to promptly inform the police about any online content that promotes anti-national sentiments.
Police sources indicate that the ATS’s cyber surveillance efforts led to the tracing and detention of the two minors. It is believed that a sophisticated ISIS network operating from Pakistan was utilizing numerous fake social media accounts to sow discord and threaten India’s internal security. These handlers reportedly used Instagram to identify and target teenagers in India, with the goal of radicalizing them, instilling anti-India feelings, and promoting violent jihadist narratives. The boys were allegedly integrated into online group discussions where they were progressively radicalized and encouraged to disseminate ISIS propaganda.