A disturbing case from Kerala has exposed how global extremist networks continue to target vulnerable Indian youths. According to an FIR accessed by investigators, a 15-year-old boy from the state was systematically exposed to ISIS propaganda through a coordinated effort between a UK-based radical and the boy’s own mother. The revelations have sparked national concern, prompting scrutiny of potential sleeper cells and reviving memories of earlier ISIS-linked conspiracies in Kerala.
UK-Based ISIS Handler and the Propaganda Pipeline
The FIR, registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), identifies the primary accused as Anzar, an alleged ISIS member currently living in Leicester, United Kingdom. Investigators claim that Anzar deliberately targeted the teenager, showing him graphic ISIS execution videos on his laptop and glorifying the terror group as the “greatest path of Islam”.
According to the FIR, Anzar tried to instil hatred towards other religions and positioned ISIS as the “true path”. Officers say the intention was clear: to isolate the minor mentally, reinterpret his religious identity and gradually push him into accepting extremist ideology.
Mother Accused of Facilitating Radicalisation
The case takes an even more troubling turn with the involvement of the boy’s mother, Fidha Mohammed Ali. The FIR states that she actively supported Anzar’s attempts and worked in coordination with him to shape the boy’s worldview.
Police believe her role was not passive or accidental. Instead, she allegedly enabled access, communication and ideological grooming, reinforcing the radical messages conveyed by Anzar. Investigators now suspect that the mother-son radicalisation attempt was part of a broader, organised effort rather than an isolated incident.
NIA Steps In as Sleeper Cell Concerns Rise
Kerala Police officials have hinted that the case may reveal the presence of dormant ISIS-linked networks operating quietly within parts of the state. With early signs pointing to a wider conspiracy, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun a preliminary assessment.
Once formal jurisdiction transfers, the Kochi NIA unit is expected to file a fresh FIR and take over the probe entirely. The agency is also examining whether online handlers, foreign operatives or local sympathisers assisted Anzar and Fidha in their recruitment effort.
Links to 2016 Kanakamala ISIS Case Re-Emerge
A crucial angle resurfaced when investigators confirmed that Anzar’s brother, Siddhiqul, was convicted in the 2016 Kanakamala ISIS conspiracy case. That earlier plot involved eight individuals accused of planning attacks in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Although Anzar was monitored during the 2016 investigation, he evaded charges as he was living abroad in Ukraine. Now, officers are re-evaluating all suspects previously listed in the Kanakamala case to determine whether old modules are regrouping. A retired NIA official has suggested that Interpol may be alerted to ensure Anzar’s deportation to India.
The Kerala teenager’s indoctrination attempt highlights how extremist outfits exploit technology, diaspora links and even family structures to target minors. With the NIA re-examining past networks and tracking potential sleeper cells, the case acts as a reminder that radicalisation threats evolve constantly. Strengthening community awareness, monitoring digital influence pathways and securing vulnerable youth remain critical to preventing such ideologies from taking root again.
