Uttarakhand STF Claims ISI-Linked Handlers Targeting Youth Online
According to officials, the handlers were allegedly linked to the ISI and other terrorist groups.
Dehradun: Uttarakhand Police have stated that youths in the state are being influenced by Pakistan-based handlers linked to the ISI and other terrorist organisations, based on recent arrests made by the Special Task Force (STF).
STF officials said interrogation of arrested suspects in Dehradun and other locations revealed attempts to build a network in Uttarakhand through social media platforms. Four suspects arrested in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh over the past two months are stated to have been in contact with handlers based in Pakistan.
According to officials, the handlers were allegedly linked to the ISI and other terrorist groups. Investigators said the suspects used social media applications, including Instagram and video calls, to communicate, with digital evidence recovered during the probe.
STF chief Ajai Singh said security agencies have been placed on alert following the disclosures. “Social media-based anti-national activities have increased in recent times. Terrorist groups are allegedly misleading youth and luring them towards different forms of jihad. The investigation has uncovered an ISI-linked module that was recruiting youth through social media. In some places, the arrested persons were allegedly made to install CCTV cameras at locations that could be monitored easily by Pakistan-based handlers. In view of this, cyber commandos have been deployed for continuous surveillance at certain places in the state capital.”
Officials said cyber experts have been deployed to monitor suspected networks and track activities flagged during the investigation. The probe also indicated efforts to influence local youths and expand the network within the state.
Names of alleged handlers, including Shahzad Bhatti and Abid Jatt, surfaced during interrogation, according to officials. One of the arrested suspects was also accused of writing graffiti linked to a group identified as Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan in parts of the state capital.
The STF said further investigation is under way with support from central agencies to identify additional links and monitor online activity.