A 19-year-old youth has been arrested in Gangtok as part of an investigation into alleged links with the banned terror outfit Islamic State (IS), following a joint operation by Sikkim Police with assistance from the Delhi Police, officials said on Tuesday.
The accused, identified as Md. Arju, a resident of Nam Nang locality in Gangtok, was arrested by the Sadar Police after intelligence inputs indicated that an Instagram group allegedly called “GIM (Group of Islamic Members)” was being used to circulate extremist propaganda, radicalise individuals and recruit members on behalf of the Islamic State.
Acting on the intelligence, police conducted a search at a residence on Lower MG Marg, Nam Nang Road in Gangtok. During the operation, six members of the same family were taken in for questioning, while several electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, iPads and pen drives, were seized for forensic examination.
Investigators said a forensic examination of Md. Arju’s Samsung mobile phone allegedly uncovered extremist-related material, including applications, chats associated with the purported GIM group, discussions relating to suspected militant funding and communications with individuals located in India as well as Pakistan.
Police also claimed to have recovered records of conversations with ChatGPT which, according to investigators, reflected alleged ideological support for extremist views. Officials said these materials are being analysed as part of the ongoing investigation.
During the probe, police found no incriminating evidence against the five other family members — Md. Kalim (58), Md. Talim (26), Md. Arif (22), Md. Alim (25) and Md. Ersad (45). They were subsequently released after executing bail bonds.
Based on the evidence collected so far, Sadar Police Station registered an FIR against Md. Arju and others on June 13 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Information Technology Act.
Officials said the investigation is continuing to determine the scope of the alleged network, examine digital communications and establish any possible links with extremist organisations. The case is being investigated by Deputy Superintendent of Police Mingyur Tempo Nadik.
