Chhattisgarh ATS Arrests 2 Minors Linked to ISIS: Sent ‘Operation Sindoor’ Map to Pakistani Handlers, Trained on Dark Web

How Minors Were Radicalised Online by ISIS Handlers

The case came to light after a social media complaint about objectionable content. During routine monitoring, ATS cyber cell detected a secret Instagram group run by Pakistani ISIS operatives that was actively radicalising Indian youth, especially minors from Chhattisgarh.

Over the last one-and-a-half years, ATS conducted silent human and technical surveillance as the handlers constantly shifted groups, archived chats, and used coded language to evade detection.

Dark Web Training & Digital Indoctrination Tactics Used

- Taught use of TOR browser, VPNs, fake IP addresses, and dark web modules

- Exposed to violent jihad videos, weapon-handling clips, and extremist audio speeches

- Handlers praised minors as “true mujahideen” and gave them “secret missions”

- Exploited gaming platforms (private chat rooms in shooting games) for recruitment

- Gradual radicalisation: started with religious motivational content → shifted to graphic violence

Operation Sindoor Intelligence Leak Attempt

During India–Pakistan tensions and the media blackout around Operation Sindoor (2025), Pakistani handlers activated the minors. They were instructed to record and send map clippings of Indian airstrikes shown on news channels to gather real-time military intelligence for ISIS modules in Pakistan.

Case Registered Under UAPA; Minors in Rehabilitation

A case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant sections of the IT Act. Since the accused are minors, the investigation is being conducted under the Juvenile Justice Act in the presence of parents.

ATS has shared all chat logs, violent videos, and evidence with the shocked families. Both minors are undergoing psychological counselling and de-radicalisation programmes.

“The handlers target curious young minds through Instagram, gaming apps, and dark web. They normalise violence and turn children into potential threats,” said ATS SP Rajshri Mishra.

Growing ISIS Network in Chhattisgarh via Social Media

Officials warn that several other Instagram IDs and secret groups linked to these Pakistani handlers are still active. The investigation is now mapping the entire online ISIS recruitment network targeting Chhattisgarh students.

 Key Highlights of the Case

- Two minors radicalised completely online

- Trained on dark web by Pakistani ISIS handlers

- Sent Operation Sindoor military map clippings

- Ready to procure weapons

- Recruited via Instagram and online gaming chats

- 18-month silent surveillance led to arrests

This incident highlights the rising threat of online radicalisation of minors in India, especially in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, through sophisticated social media and gaming platform manipulation by ISIS and Pakistan-based terror modules.

Parents and schools are urged to monitor children’s internet activity and report suspicious behaviour immediately.