The NIA has escalated its fight against homegrown terrorism by charging five suspects in a high-profile online radicalization racket operating out of Gujarat. This chargesheet marks a crucial milestone in dismantling what authorities describe as a ‘virtual caliphate’ built on hate-filled digital propaganda.

Unveiled in the NIA’s special court, the 1,200-page document paints a chilling picture of how the accused masterminded a recruitment drive via encrypted messaging services. Posing as religious mentors, they lured disillusioned youngsters with promises of purpose, only to indoctrinate them into violent extremism aligned with ISIS doctrines.

From anonymous Telegram channels sharing beheading videos to WhatsApp groups coordinating fund transfers, the operation was meticulously planned. The prime accused, a former IT professional, allegedly received directives from Syria-based commanders, funneling crypto donations to sustain the network.

Raids across Gujarat yielded a treasure trove of evidence: jihadi literature, mock explosive kits, and laptops loaded with radicalization toolkits. The probe exposed links to over 50 potential recruits, some as young as 17, who had begun manifesting signs of behavioral change.

As the nation grapples with the shadow of online terror, this case spotlights the urgency for robust digital surveillance and community awareness programs. With trials set to begin, the NIA vows zero tolerance, urging citizens to report suspicious online activities. Gujarat’s resolve against radical elements stands firmer than ever.