Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended two minor boys in Raipur suspected of collaborating with an ISIS module based in Pakistan. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced the detentions, noting it as the first such operation in the state and pledging to investigate further for any additional connections. The youths allegedly received directives from Pakistani ISIS handlers and utilized social media, including Instagram, with false identities to disseminate extremist content and influence young people.
Sharma, who also leads the state’s home department, stated that the minors were influenced by extremist ideologies and actively sought to recruit others online. They had access to extensive digital information and were engaged in extensive internet and social media activities under the ISIS identity.
Legal action has been initiated against the minors under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The administration is committed to strengthening the ATS, particularly in Raipur and other major cities, to effectively identify and neutralize threats from such elements. Citizens are encouraged to report any online content deemed anti-national to the authorities for prompt action.
According to investigative reports, the ATS successfully tracked and detained the two minors following sustained cyber surveillance. Evidence suggests that a Pakistan-based ISIS network was employing numerous deceptive social media accounts to destabilize India and compromise its internal security through digital channels. The alleged Pakistani handlers focused on Indian teenagers via Instagram, aiming to radicalize them, cultivate anti-India sentiments, and propagate violent jihadist ideologies. The detained minors were reportedly drawn into online communication channels where they were systematically indoctrified and encouraged to share ISIS propaganda and violent materials.