19-Year-Old Held In Sikkim Over Alleged Links With Pakistan-Based Terror Module; Mobile Phone, Laptop Seized
19-Year-Old Held In Sikkim Over Alleged Links With Pakistan-Based Terror Module; Mobile Phone, Laptop Seized Published By, Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 13:17 IST An
19-Year-Old Held In Sikkim Over Alleged Links With Pakistan-Based Terror Module; Mobile Phone, Laptop Seized Published By, Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 13:17 IST An investigation was initiated after intelligence inputs suggested that an Instagram group was reportedly being used to circulate extremist propaganda Pak-linked terror module under probe in Sikkim, one youth held | File Photo In a joint operation by the Delhi and Gangtok Police, a 19-year-old youth from Nam Nang was arrested in connection with a probe linked to his alleged association with the banned terrorist organisation, Islamic State (IS). The investigation was initiated after intelligence inputs suggested that an Instagram group –– ‘Group of Islamic Members’ (GIM) –– was reportedly being used to circulate extremist propaganda, recruit members, and promote the ideology of an “Islamic state", police sources told CNN-News18. Following the inputs, a joint team carried out a search operation at a residence on the Lower MG Marg at Nam Nang Road in Gangtok.
During the raid, six members of a family were detained for questioning. Several electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, iPads, and pen drives, were also seized by investigators for forensic examination. According to the police, Mohammad Arju, 19, displayed suspicious behavior during questioning. As authorities dove deeper, a forensic analysis of his Samsung mobile phone led to the recovery of digital material including alleged extremist-related applications, conversations linked to the GIM group, discussions on alleged militant funding and communications with individuals based in India and Pakistan. ‘Conversations With ChatGPT’ Investigators said records of conversations with ChatGPT –– an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by OpenAI –– were also found on the accused’s phone, reflecting his support for extremist views, sources told CNN-News18. However, no incriminating material was found against the remaining five members of the family –– Md. Kalim (58), Md. Talim (26), Md. Arif (22), Md.
Alim (25) and Md. Ersad (45) –– and they were subsequently released after executing bail bonds. An FIR against Arju has been registered at the Sadar Police Station in Gangtok under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Information Technology Act, said sources. Sources revealed the central security agencies are currently examining whether the accused had any wider operational links beyond Sikkim, including a probe into digital communications, online activity and financial transactions to determine the extent of the alleged network and involvement of additional individuals. The probe has sparked the attention of national security agencies, given Sikkim’s strategic location along India’s international border alongside Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. However, officials are yet to comment on whether the accused possesses any cross-border networks. The case is being investigated by a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Mingyur Tempo Nadik.
The BriefWire