Raipur: Two Minors Detained Over Pakistan-Based ISIS Module

In a significant development, the Chhattisgarh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained two underage individuals in Raipur for alleged ties to a Pakistan-based ISIS network. State Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated that this is the first such incident reported in Chhattisgarh and that investigations are underway to uncover any further accomplices. The detained boys are accused of acting under the direction of Pakistani ISIS operatives, utilizing social media platforms with fictitious accounts to spread propaganda. They were reportedly influenced by extremist materials and actively sought to radicalize others via Instagram. Sharma highlighted their substantial internet access and engagement under the ISIS banner. The minors have been charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Deputy Chief Minister pledged to bolster the ATS, particularly in urban centers, to ensure comprehensive monitoring and swift action against individuals associated with terror modules. He also appealed to citizens to be vigilant and report any social media activity promoting anti-national agendas. Preliminary findings indicate that handlers in Pakistan were systematically targeting Indian youth and teenagers through Instagram, aiming to indoctrinate them with extremist ideologies, incite hostility towards India, and promote jihadist narratives. The minors were drawn into private group chats where they were exposed to radicalization and encouraged to share ISIS-related violent content online. Authorities are also investigating evidence pointing to attempts to establish a local ISIS cell in Chhattisgarh. These detentions were facilitated by advanced cyber surveillance techniques employed by the ATS.