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In a troubling case of attempted radicalization, a 16-year-old boy from Kerala has revealed how his mother’s partner tried to persuade him to join ISIS, offering a rare glimpse into recruitment tactics used by extremist organizations in India.
Speaking to Republic TV in an emotional interview, the teenager described how Ansar Aslam, his mother’s live-in partner, showed him ISIS propaganda videos in an apparent attempt to radicalize him. The boy, whose identity has been withheld to protect his privacy, broke down several times during the interview.
“My mother was threatened by Ansar Aslam. He ruined my life, my family…everything,” the boy said. “Ansar showed me ISIS videos, and my mother said that Ansar is just manipulating her.”
The teenager believes his mother may have been coerced into participating in the radicalization efforts. “Maybe she was trying to protect herself from Ansar Aslam and Siddiqui Aslam,” he stated, referring to Ansar’s brother, who reportedly has ties to previous terrorism cases. The visibly traumatized boy repeatedly expressed his desire to reunite with his mother, saying, “I love her. I want to get my mother back.”
Kerala’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has registered an FIR in the case, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) now requesting records as well. Authorities are investigating multiple serious allegations, including attempts to radicalize the minor and send him to Syria, and exploring potential links between Ansar Aslam and suspects in past bomb blasts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Preliminary investigations suggest Ansar maintained contact with ISIS handlers. Police have seized laptops from the mother’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram during a raid conducted last week, which allegedly contained the ISIS propaganda material shown to the boy.
The case reveals a complex family background. The boy’s mother was originally Christian before marrying Mohammad Ali, a Muslim man, while in college. The couple had three children, including the 16-year-old victim, and were married for 17 years. According to the boy’s account, his mother later met Siddiqui Aslam, Ansar’s brother, who allegedly began the process of radicalizing her through similar propaganda videos.
Notably, Siddiqui Aslam is already known to law enforcement as an accused in an NIA case registered in 2016 for plotting attacks in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and had previously served prison time.
The teenager stated that after refusing to join ISIS, he was sent back to Kerala from the United Kingdom, where part of the family had been living. Upon his return, he informed his biological father about the situation, who advised him to report the matter to the police.
The boy is currently staying with his uncle, his biological father’s elder brother, in Kerala under police surveillance. His father remains in the UK.
When approached by Republic TV, the boy’s mother declined to speak directly, instead sharing a handwritten note: “I am alone here with my kids. I am not yet ready to talk to you. Let me give my statement to the police first. Let the police probe and bring out the truth. I can tell you one thing at the moment. My husband is a narcissist. He is an active member of SDPI.”
This case highlights ongoing concerns about ISIS recruitment efforts in Kerala, a state that has previously seen multiple instances of youth being radicalized and attempting to join the terrorist organization. Security agencies have intensified monitoring of potential radicalization channels, particularly those operating through social media and personal connections.
The NIA officially took over the investigation today, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case of attempted youth radicalization.
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12 Comments
This is a concerning case of attempted radicalization of a young person. It’s critical that we address the root causes and methods used by extremist groups to prey on vulnerable individuals, especially children. Propaganda and coercion tactics like this must be stopped.
This case underscores the importance of early intervention and community-based support to prevent radicalization. Empowering families, educators, and local leaders to recognize and respond to these threats is essential.
The courage of this teen to speak out about his experience is commendable. Shining a light on these insidious recruitment tactics is a crucial step towards developing more robust safeguards for at-risk youth.
Propaganda videos and coercion tactics used by extremist groups to recruit youth are deeply disturbing. We must strengthen efforts to disrupt these recruitment pipelines and support vulnerable individuals and families caught in the crosshairs.
Absolutely. Multifaceted approaches addressing both the online and offline dimensions of radicalization are crucial to curb this threat.
This is a heartbreaking story. The trauma this teen experienced is unimaginable. I hope the authorities can provide him and his mother the protection and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
The emotional toll on this young person is heartbreaking. Authorities must ensure thorough investigations and hold those responsible for these radicalization attempts accountable, while prioritizing the wellbeing and rehabilitation of the victims.
Radicalization through online propaganda is a growing threat, especially for impressionable youth. We need robust strategies to counter extremist messaging and support affected families. Rehabilitating and reintegrating those targeted is also crucial.
Agreed. Providing counseling and community support for victims of radicalization attempts is key to helping them recover and avoid further exploitation.
This is a tragic case that highlights the urgent need for comprehensive deradicalization and reintegration programs. Providing counseling, education, and community support can help victims of radicalization attempts heal and rebuild their lives.
Ansar Aslam’s alleged efforts to radicalize this boy through ISIS propaganda videos are horrifying. We must remain vigilant against such predatory actions and strengthen our ability to identify and disrupt these recruitment networks.
Seeing the devastating impact of radicalization efforts on this young person is a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective counter-extremism programs. Protecting vulnerable youth from such manipulation should be a top priority.