Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended two underage boys in Raipur, alleging their involvement with an ISIS module operating out of Pakistan. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated this marks the first such incident in the state and emphasized ongoing efforts to identify any other individuals connected to extremist networks. Sharma, who also oversees the home department, revealed the detained minors were reportedly directed by Pakistani ISIS operatives and utilized fake social media accounts to spread propaganda. “They were self-radicalized by extremist content and were actively trying to influence others on platforms like Instagram,” Sharma explained. “They possessed significant information and were extensively using the internet and social media under the ISIS banner.”
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.