The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Chhattisgarh has detained two minors in Raipur for their alleged links with the terror outfit Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed. Sharma, who also holds the state’s home portfolio, announced that this is the first such case reported in Chhattisgarh.
Online Radicalization and External Influence
Sharma stated on Tuesday that the state’s ATS detained the duo after a thorough investigation revealed they were operating under the direction of ISIS modules based in Pakistan. The minors were actively engaged on social media using fake IDs.
The Deputy Chief Minister outlined the extent of their online activity:
“They were themselves influenced by extremist content, and were attempting to influence others on Instagram. They had access to considerable information and were extensively using the internet and social media under the ISIS name.”
Police officials added that the investigation found that a Pakistan-based ISIS module had been using fake and pseudo-identity social media accounts to destabilize India and influence internal security through cyberspace. These handlers were allegedly using Instagram to target Indian youths and teenagers, attempting to radicalize them, incite anti-India activities, and promote violent extremism and jihadist ideology.
The minors were systematically radicalized after being added to Instagram group chats by the Pakistani handlers and were encouraged to circulate ISIS propaganda and violent content online. Evidence also suggests that the detained minors were being motivated to establish an ISIS module in Chhattisgarh.
Legal Action and Enhanced Surveillance
The minors have been booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
The successful detention was credited to sustained cyber surveillance by the ATS and associated agencies, which traced the ISIS-influenced minors based on technical evidence.
Acknowledging this precedent-setting case, Sharma pledged to significantly enhance the state’s capabilities to combat online extremism:
“By expanding the ATS team, especially in Raipur and other major cities of Chhattisgarh and throughout the state, such individuals will be identified and action will be taken against them. I will also request the Chief Minister to further expand the ATS team.”
Sharma also urged the general public to report any social media handle spreading anti-national content to the police immediately.