Chhattisgarh authorities have detained two minor boys in Raipur for their alleged involvement with an ISIS module based in Pakistan. According to Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, this is a first-of-its-kind case in the state, prompting an expanded search for potential collaborators. The youths are suspected of receiving directives from Pakistani ISIS handlers and actively engaging on social media platforms with fake identities. They were apparently drawn to extremist content and were trying to influence others, particularly younger individuals, through Instagram. Sharma noted their extensive internet usage and access to information associated with the ISIS ideology. Legal action has been initiated against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Sharma announced plans to strengthen the ATS presence across Chhattisgarh’s major cities to enhance surveillance and counter-terrorism efforts. He urged the public to be vigilant and report any instances of anti-national content online. Investigators have uncovered a modus operandi where Pakistan-based ISIS handlers used Instagram to reach out to Indian teenagers. The objective was to radicalize them, incite anti-India sentiment, and propagate violent extremism. The detained minors were allegedly added to secure group chats where they were systematically influenced and tasked with circulating ISIS propaganda and violent materials. There are indications that they were being prepared to set up an ISIS presence in Chhattisgarh. The ATS successfully traced and detained the minors through sophisticated cyber surveillance and technical evidence.
