Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended two minor boys in Raipur, accusing them of connections with an ISIS module operating from Pakistan. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma disclosed that this marks the state’s inaugural case of its kind, and authorities are actively working to identify any other individuals involved. The detained youths were reportedly influenced by extremist content and were attempting to spread radical ideology online, particularly through Instagram using fake profiles. They possessed significant information and were extensively utilizing the internet under the guise of the ISIS name. Both minors have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Sharma emphasized the state’s commitment to expanding the ATS’s reach, especially in major cities, to detect and apprehend such elements. He urged the public to report any social media accounts spreading anti-national content promptly. Investigations revealed that handlers based in Pakistan were exploiting Instagram to target Indian teenagers, aiming to radicalize them, foster anti-India sentiments, and promote violent extremism. The minors were integrated into Instagram group chats, systematically radicalized, and encouraged to disseminate ISIS propaganda and violent material. Evidence suggests they were also being motivated to establish an ISIS cell within Chhattisgarh. The detentions were a result of diligent cyber surveillance by the ATS and allied agencies.
