According to the complainant, the teenager was living in the UK with his mother, a nurse, and her partner, during which the alleged radicalisation took place. He claimed the partner showed the boy ISIS propaganda videos and encouraged him to join the outfit, while the mother failed to stop the exposure. The family has since brought the minor back to Kerala, where he is currently staying at his ancestral home.
The woman has rejected all allegations, calling the case an extension of a long-standing marital dispute and a custody battle with her estranged husband. She said her in-laws were attempting to malign her and gain control of the child by levelling false terror-related charges.
Police officials said the investigation is complicated by overlapping personal and legal issues. “We are examining whether the allegations indicate genuine attempts at radicalisation or whether they arise from family conflict,” an officer involved in the probe said.
Investigators are reviewing the statements of the minor and the family and are also assessing any digital evidence that may substantiate claims of exposure to extremist content. Officials noted that part of the inquiry will require reconstructing events said to have occurred abroad, including the possibility of seeking information through international channels.
Under the UAPA, amended in 2019, individuals can be designated as terrorists and agencies are granted wider powers of arrest and surveillance. Police said further action will depend on whether the inquiry establishes deliberate efforts to indoctrinate the minor or reveals a misuse of the law amid domestic discord.
.jpg)
