Gangtok, June 30 (IANS) A 19-year-old youth has been arrested in Sikkim’s Gangtok in connection with an investigation into alleged links with the banned terror outfit Islamic State (IS), following a joint operation by the state police with assistance from the Delhi Police, officials said on Tuesday.

The accused, identified as Md. Arju of Nam Nang locality in Gangtok, was arrested by the Sadar Police after Intelligence inputs suggested that an Instagram group, allegedly named “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 inputs, police carried out a search operation 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.

According to investigators, the digital examination of Md. Arju’s Samsung mobile phone allegedly revealed extremist-related material, including applications, chats linked to the purported GIM group, discussions relating to suspected militant funding and communications with individuals based 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 examined as part of the ongoing probe. During the course of the investigation, 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 material collected so far, Sadar Police Station registered an FIR on June 13 against Md. Arju and others 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 ascertain the extent of the alleged network, digital communications and any possible links with extremist organisations.

The case is being investigated by Deputy Superintendent of Police Mingyur Tempo Nadik.

–IANS

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