Authorities in Chhattisgarh have detained two minor boys in Raipur due to suspected connections with a Pakistan-based Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) module. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced the development, highlighting that this is the initial instance of such a case within the state. He assured that investigations are underway to uncover any further involvement. According to Sharma, who heads the home department, the detained teenagers were allegedly acting under the directives of ISIS operatives in Pakistan and were active on social media using fabricated online personas. “These boys were influenced by extremist material found online and were trying to sway others through Instagram,” Sharma noted. “They had access to a substantial amount of information and were actively engaged online, promoting the ISIS name.”
The minors are facing charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Sharma emphasized that strengthening the ATS, especially in Raipur and other key urban centers across Chhattisgarh, is crucial for identifying and neutralizing such threats. He intends to propose an expansion of the ATS to the Chief Minister. The public is encouraged to promptly report any social media accounts disseminating seditious content. Police officials revealed that the ATS identified and detained the two minors in Raipur who were allegedly operating online for ISIS. Investigations revealed that a Pakistan-based ISIS network was utilizing numerous fake social media profiles to destabilize India and compromise national security through cyber means. These handlers reportedly used Instagram to connect with and radicalize Indian teenagers, inciting anti-India sentiments and promoting violent extremism and jihadist ideologies. The minors were allegedly recruited into Instagram group chats, systematically indoctrinated, and then tasked with spreading ISIS propaganda and violent content. Authorities also have indications that efforts were made to set up an ISIS presence in Chhattisgarh. Thorough cyber surveillance led to the tracing and detention of the two ISIS-influenced minors.