The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday said that it has so far arrested 168 people in 37 cases of terror attacks, conspiracy, and funding which have been influenced by the Islamic State (IS) ideology in India.
NIA in its statement said that charge sheets have been filed in 31 of the cases, the most recent of which was registered in June, and that 27 accused have been convicted after trial.
“Investigation by the NIA has revealed that IS is trying to spread its tentacles in India through continuous propaganda online. Gullible youths are targeted on open social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram,” a spokesperson of the agency said.
The NIA said that once a person shows keenness he or she is then allured to communicate with online handlers based abroad using encrypted social media platforms. “Depending on the gullibility of the person, the handlers then use the person for uploading online content, translation of IS texts to local language, conspiracy, preparation of a module, collecting arms and ammunition, preparation of improvised explosive device (IEDs), terror funding, and even attacks,” the spokesperson added.
