Tumakuru : The arrest of two Karnataka youths for their alleged links with Pakistan-based wanted terror suspect Rana Uneen has brought to light a disturbing pattern of online radicalisation and recruitment that security agencies believe is increasingly being used to target vulnerable young Indians.
While the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, officials say the case reveals a carefully designed modus operandi in which social media platforms are allegedly used to identify, engage and gradually influence individuals before introducing extremist narratives. The Tumakuru case has now become a major focus for intelligence agencies attempting to understand the scale of such online networks.
According to investigators, the process did not begin with direct discussions about violence or anti-national activities. Instead, the alleged recruitment strategy relied on patience, trust-building and emotional engagement.
First contact through social media
Police sources indicate that the two arrested youths — Allabaksh from Tumakuru and Zameer Khan from Davanagere — were first approached through Instagram. What appeared to be ordinary online interactions slowly evolved into regular conversations.
Security officials believe that social media platforms have become a preferred tool for such operations because they allow recruiters to identify potential targets, study their interests and initiate conversations without attracting immediate suspicion.
Investigators say the suspect allegedly used multiple online platforms to maintain communication. After the initial contact on Instagram, conversations reportedly shifted to X and later to private WhatsApp groups where discussions became more frequent and organised.
Building trust before pushing ideology
According to preliminary findings, the WhatsApp groups did not initially focus on controversial or extremist content. Instead, discussions allegedly revolved around religion, social issues, community welfare and messages promoting unity among members of the community.
Investigators believe this phase was designed to establish credibility and gain the trust of participants. By presenting himself as someone concerned about religious and social issues, the suspect allegedly attempted to create a sense of belonging among group members.
Security experts often describe such tactics as “gradual indoctrination,” where individuals are first drawn into seemingly harmless discussions before being exposed to more radical viewpoints.
Officials involved in the investigation say the conversations reportedly became more emotionally charged over time. Discussions allegedly began highlighting incidents involving members of the Muslim community and emphasising perceived injustices.
Shift towards grievance-based narratives
Investigators claim that once trust had been established, the nature of the discussions changed significantly.
The suspect allegedly began encouraging participants to view certain incidents through a lens of victimhood and collective grievance. Authorities believe this was intended to create emotional reactions and strengthen group identity.
One of the topics reportedly discussed was the killing of a religious leader in Pune. According to police sources, conversations allegedly included references to revenge and retaliation.
Officials say such narratives are commonly used in online radicalisation efforts because they seek to transform personal emotions into collective anger. The objective, investigators believe, is to create an environment in which extreme ideas gradually appear acceptable to participants.
Creation of a closed digital ecosystem
Another aspect that has attracted the attention of investigators is the use of private messaging groups.
Unlike public social media posts, encrypted messaging platforms provide a relatively secure environment for prolonged discussions. Authorities suspect the WhatsApp group functioned as a controlled digital space where members could be influenced without outside scrutiny.
Investigators are now examining whether similar groups exist elsewhere and whether individuals from other states may have been connected to the same network.
The probe is also focused on identifying administrators, active participants and individuals who may have played a role in circulating content within the group.
Intelligence agencies detect suspicious activity
The alleged network came under scrutiny after central intelligence agencies detected suspicious communications and alerted Tumakuru police.
Based on specific intelligence inputs, police launched a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of the two youths. Investigators subsequently began analysing digital evidence, including mobile phones, chat histories and social media records.
Officials are attempting to determine whether the accused were merely participants in online discussions or whether they were being prepared for a larger role within the network.
Emerging threat of online radicalisation
Security agencies view the case as a reminder of how recruitment methods have evolved in the digital age.
Unlike traditional extremist networks that relied on physical meetings and personal introductions, modern recruiters can reach potential targets from across international borders using smartphones and social media applications.
Experts note that such operations often follow a predictable pattern: identify potential recruits, establish trust, reinforce a shared identity, amplify grievances, isolate participants within closed online communities and gradually introduce radical narratives.
Investigators believe the Tumakuru case may fit several elements of this pattern, though the full extent of the alleged conspiracy will become clear only after detailed forensic examination of digital evidence.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover Rana Uneen’s broader network, his alleged organisational links and the number of individuals who may have come into contact with him through various online platforms. The case has once again highlighted the growing challenge faced by security agencies in combating digital radicalisation and preventing hostile actors from exploiting social media to influence young minds.
