Sharma, who also oversees the home department, stated that the detained minors were reportedly directed by ISIS operatives based in Pakistan. They had gained access to significant online information and were extensively utilizing the internet under the ISIS banner. These individuals were not only consuming extremist material but also attempting to influence other young people.

The minors have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The state government is now intensifying efforts to identify any other individuals potentially involved. Sharma emphasized the need to expand the ATS presence, particularly in Raipur and other major Chhattisgarh cities, to proactively detect and address such threats. He also appealed to the public to report any social media accounts spreading anti-national content to the authorities.

Investigations revealed that the Pakistan-based ISIS module was employing multiple fake social media accounts to destabilize India and undermine national security through cyber means. Handlers from Pakistan allegedly used Instagram to target Indian teenagers, aiming to radicalize them, foster anti-India sentiments, and promote violent extremism and jihadist ideologies. The minors were reportedly added to private Instagram group chats where systematic radicalization took place, leading them to share ISIS propaganda and violent content online. Evidence also suggests attempts to establish an ISIS module within Chhattisgarh.

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.

The youths have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the importance of bolstering the ATS presence, particularly in major cities and across Chhattisgarh, to proactively identify and apprehend individuals associated with such groups. He plans to request the Chief Minister for an expanded ATS team. Citizens are urged to report any social media activity promoting anti-national content immediately. Investigators uncovered that the Pakistan-based module leveraged Instagram to target Indian teenagers, aiming to radicalize them, foster anti-India sentiment, and propagate extremist ideologies. The minors were reportedly added to group chats where they were systematically influenced and encouraged to disseminate ISIS propaganda and violent material online. Evidence also suggests attempts were made to establish an ISIS cell within Chhattisgarh. The swift apprehension was a result of diligent cyber surveillance by the ATS and collaborating agencies.