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Raipur, Nov 19 (IANS) In a first of its kind in Chhattisgarh, the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained two minor boys from Raipur for alleged links with global terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS).
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed this on Wednesday and called it a serious threat emerging through cyberspace.
Addressing the media, Deputy Chief Minister Sharma said that the teenagers were working under the direct instructions of the Pakistan-based ISIS module. “After detailed investigation and technical surveillance, ATS detained these two minors.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed that they were in touch with Pakistan-handlers who were using fake Instagram IDs to radicalize the youth,” he said.
Influenced by online extremist material, minors were actively trying to propagate ISIS ideology and recruit others. “They had adequate knowledge about the activities of ISIS and were using social media extensively in the name of the terrorist organization. They were not only radicalizing themselves but also trying to influence other youth,” Sharma said.
According to senior police officials, Pakistani handlers were running sophisticated online operations targeting vulnerable Indian teenagers. Minors were added to secret Instagram group chats, where they were systematically brainwashed, exposed to violent jihadist propaganda, and encouraged to spread ISIS material.
Evidence suggests that the operators were instigating the boys to establish a local ISIS module in Chhattisgarh to destabilize internal security.
ATS traced the suspects using technical and digital evidence through continuous cyber patrolling and coordination with central agencies. Both the teenagers have been taken into custody and further investigation is underway to unearth the entire network.
“This is the first ISIS-related detention of minors in Chhattisgarh. We are investigating if more youth have been radicalized,” Sharma said, appealing to citizens to immediately report any suspicious anti-national social media accounts or handles promoting extremism to the nearest police station or cyber cell.
Authorities said the case highlights the growing threat of online radicalization by foreign-based terrorist modules targeting impressionable teenagers through popular social media platforms.
Orders have been given to increase surveillance of cyber space across the state. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been informed, and a formal case under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is likely to be registered soon.
–IANS
SKTR/DPB