Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended two minor boys in Raipur, suspecting their involvement with an ISIS module operating out of Pakistan. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the detentions, highlighting this as the first such incident in the state. Authorities are actively investigating to determine if other individuals are involved.
Sharma, who also oversees the home department, stated that the detained youths were allegedly guided by Pakistan-based ISIS operatives and utilized fake social media accounts, particularly on Instagram. He noted that the boys were influenced by extremist content and were attempting to spread such ideologies to others online. The ATS discovered they possessed significant information and were extensively using the internet under the ISIS banner.
The minors have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. Sharma emphasized the state’s commitment to expanding the ATS, especially in major cities like Raipur and across Chhattisgarh, to identify and apprehend similar individuals. He plans to recommend further strengthening of the ATS to the Chief Minister. The public is urged to promptly report any social media accounts disseminating anti-national content.
According to investigators, the Pakistan-based ISIS module targeted Indian youth and teenagers through fake social media profiles on platforms like Instagram. The objective was to destabilize India’s internal security via cyber means. Handlers reportedly used these accounts to radicalize teenagers, foster anti-India sentiments, and promote extremist ideologies. Evidence suggests the minors were being groomed to establish an ISIS presence in Chhattisgarh. The ATS successfully traced and detained the boys through sustained cyber surveillance and technical evidence.
