In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained two underage boys in Raipur for their alleged ties to an ISIS module based in Pakistan. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the arrests, labeling it a first for the state and vowing to intensify efforts to detect any additional individuals involved. Sharma, who also holds the home portfolio, stated that the youths were reportedly receiving instructions from Pakistan-based ISIS handlers and were using fake social media accounts to spread their influence. “They were drawn to extremist content and were attempting to recruit others via Instagram,” Sharma elaborated. “They had acquired considerable data and were actively using the internet and social media to promote ISIS.”
The minors have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Sharma reiterated the commitment to enhance the ATS’s capabilities, particularly in Raipur and other major cities, to systematically identify and apprehend those connected to terrorist organizations. He plans to advocate for a larger ATS team to the Chief Minister. The Deputy Chief Minister also appealed to the public to immediately alert authorities about any social media handles spreading anti-national messages. Investigators discovered that the Pakistan-based ISIS module was operating multiple deceptive social media accounts aimed at undermining India’s internal security through online channels. These handlers were reportedly exploiting Instagram to target young Indians, attempting to radicalize them, foster hostility towards India, and promote extremist and jihadist narratives. The detained minors were allegedly brought into private Instagram group chats where they underwent a process of radicalization and were subsequently encouraged to circulate ISIS propaganda and violent materials. Evidence also points to attempts to establish an ISIS cell within Chhattisgarh. The timely intervention by the ATS, supported by extensive cyber surveillance, led to the apprehension of the two minors.