Two minor boys have been taken into custody by the Chhattisgarh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Raipur due to suspected links with an ISIS module operating from Pakistan. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the detentions, noting this is the first such incident reported in the state. The boys are believed to have been directed by Pakistani ISIS handlers and were actively using social media under fake identities. They were reportedly exposed to extremist content and were attempting to influence others, particularly on Instagram. Sharma stated that they had access to a considerable amount of information and were extensively utilizing the internet and social media under the ISIS name. The youths have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The state government is committed to expanding the ATS’s operational capacity across Chhattisgarh to identify and apprehend any other radicalized individuals. The public is encouraged to report any social media activity propagating anti-national content. Investigators uncovered that the Pakistani handlers were systematically radicalizing Indian teenagers through Instagram, aiming to foster anti-India sentiment and violent extremism. The minors were allegedly tasked with disseminating ISIS propaganda and were encouraged to form an ISIS module within the state.
