In a first-of-its-kind counter-terrorism operation in Chhattisgarh, the state’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained two minors in Raipur for their alleged association with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), officials confirmed on Tuesday. The arrests highlight growing concerns about online radicalisation and the use of social media platforms by extremist networks to target Indian youth.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the home portfolio, said the minors had been actively operating under the guidance of ISIS modules based in Pakistan. “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,” Sharma stated.

The teenagers have been booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, marking the first such case involving ISIS-linked online radicalisation in the state. Authorities are now working to identify whether additional individuals in Chhattisgarh have been similarly influenced.

Online Radicalisation and Cross-Border Influence

According to police sources, the investigation revealed that the minors had been systematically radicalised through social media channels operated by Pakistan-based ISIS handlers. These handlers created fake and pseudo-identity accounts on platforms such as Instagram, intending to destabilise India’s internal security by influencing vulnerable Indian youths.

The minors were reportedly added to closed Instagram group chats managed by ISIS operatives. Within these groups, they were exposed to violent extremist propaganda, jihadist ideology, and instructions to propagate such content online. Over time, the teenagers were encouraged to circulate ISIS messaging and recruit other young individuals into the extremist fold.

Authorities also said that technical evidence indicates that the minors were being motivated to establish an ISIS module within Chhattisgarh, raising concerns about the potential for localised radical networks emerging under foreign influence. The ATS, through sustained cyber surveillance, was able to trace and apprehend the minors before any larger plan could be operationalised.

Measures Taken by the State

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma emphasised the importance of expanding counter-terrorism operations to proactively tackle such threats. “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,” he said.

Sharma also urged the public to assist authorities by reporting any social media handles spreading anti-national content or promoting extremist ideology. “Community cooperation is critical to prevent radicalisation. Vigilant citizens can help stop such individuals before they cause harm,” he added.

Implications for Counter-Terrorism

This case underscores the increasing digital dimension of radicalisation, where extremist organisations like ISIS are leveraging social media platforms to influence teenagers and young adults. Law enforcement officials have noted that extremist networks, particularly those operating from abroad, have developed sophisticated online recruitment strategies that combine psychological manipulation, ideological indoctrination, and peer influence.

The detention of these two minors in Chhattisgarh serves as an early intervention to prevent the establishment of a local ISIS network. Police officials noted that both technical evidence and sustained online surveillance played a crucial role in the operation, highlighting the importance of cyber intelligence in contemporary counter-terrorism strategies.

A senior police official involved in the investigation explained, “The handlers in Pakistan were using Instagram IDs to target Indian youths, encouraging them to embrace violent extremism and anti-national activities. The minors were guided to share propaganda and to establish networks locally, which could have had far-reaching consequences.”

Wider Concerns

Experts have long warned about the growing use of social media by terror organisations to radicalise minors, noting that these platforms can bypass traditional safeguards. The Chhattisgarh case is particularly significant because it demonstrates how international extremist groups can directly influence local populations, even in regions previously considered low-risk for terrorism.

Officials also pointed out that social media accounts used for such purposes often masquerade as ordinary profiles, making it difficult for parents and community members to detect radical content. This has prompted the ATS and other agencies to invest in advanced cyber monitoring capabilities to identify suspicious activity and prevent recruitment in real time.

Next Steps

The ATS and state authorities are continuing their probe into the minors’ online activities and any broader network of associates. While the teenagers remain in detention, investigators are also attempting to map the full extent of communication between local individuals and ISIS operatives abroad. Officials emphasized that any links to Pakistan-based modules will be thoroughly examined, including identifying other potential recruits and handlers operating in India.

The case has also prompted discussions at the policy level regarding counter-radicalisation efforts targeting youth. Officials stress the importance of combining community awareness, education, parental guidance, and cyber surveillance to address the rising challenge of online extremism.

Public Awareness and Community Role

Authorities have underscored the role of the public in preventing radicalisation. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activity or social media content that promotes violent extremism. Sharma reinforced this point, noting, “Immediate reporting of any social media handles spreading anti-national content will significantly aid the authorities in intercepting extremist activity.”

By apprehending the minors early, the Chhattisgarh ATS has demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated cyber intelligence and field operations. Analysts say the case may serve as a model for other states to proactively tackle the increasing digital footprint of terror organisations seeking to recruit vulnerable youth.

In conclusion, the detention of these two minors in Raipur for alleged ISIS links highlights a critical intersection between cyber security, counter-terrorism, and youth protection. The operation demonstrates both the growing sophistication of extremist networks and the proactive measures being taken by Indian law enforcement to safeguard national security and prevent the radicalisation of young people.

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