Chhattisgarh’s ATS has taken two underage boys into custody in Raipur, citing their alleged connections to an ISIS module operating from Pakistan. This development was confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who indicated it was the first such case reported in the state and that efforts are underway to identify any other potential recruits. Sharma, who is also the Home Minister, stated that the minors were allegedly following directions from Pakistan-based ISIS operatives and were utilizing fake online profiles on social media. “They were inspired by extremist content online and were actively trying to influence others, especially on Instagram,” Sharma stated. “They had gathered significant information and were extensively using digital platforms to propagate the ISIS cause.”
The minors have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the need to strengthen the ATS presence across Chhattisgarh, including in Raipur and other major cities, to ensure the identification and apprehension of individuals associated with extremist activities. He intends to request the Chief Minister for an expansion of the ATS team. Sharma also urged the public to be vigilant and report any social media accounts promoting anti-national content to the police without delay. Police officials revealed that the ATS successfully traced and detained the two minors in Raipur who were reportedly acting on behalf of ISIS online. The investigation revealed that a Pakistan-based ISIS network was managing numerous fraudulent social media accounts with the intent to disrupt India and compromise its internal security via cyber warfare. These handlers were reportedly using Instagram to target Indian teenagers, aiming for radicalization, inciting anti-India sentiments, and promoting violent extremism and jihadist ideology. The minors were allegedly inducted into Instagram group chats where they were subjected to systematic radicalization and then urged to distribute ISIS propaganda and violent media. Evidence also suggests that there were plans to establish an ISIS module within Chhattisgarh. Continuous cyber surveillance by the ATS and allied agencies enabled the tracing and detention of the two minors influenced by ISIS.