Digital Jihad, Hawala Funds and Apps Used to Radicalise Youth in Assam: STF

Digital Jihad, Hawala Funds and Apps Used to Radicalise Youth in Assam: STF

The Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) has uncovered an organised extremist network operating in the state that used digital platforms, mobile applications and hawala channels to radicalise youth and fund anti-national activities, senior police officials said on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference, STF chief Partha Sarathi Mahanta said investigations revealed the use of what officials described as “digital jihad”, where extremist ideologies were spread through encrypted messaging apps, online groups and digital content to influence and recruit young people from Assam and neighbouring states.
According to the STF, the network had links with Bangladesh-based extremist outfits, including modules associated with the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and its offshoot Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK). Online platforms were allegedly used to circulate radical literature, videos and propaganda, gradually indoctrinating recruits and preparing them for further activities.
Police said youths were first contacted through social media and messaging apps and later added to closed groups, where they were exposed to extremist material. In some cases, recruits were asked to take an online oath of allegiance and share personal details with handlers operating from outside the state.
The STF also uncovered a hawala-based funding network that channelled money collected locally to support extremist operations. Investigators found that funds were moved through informal money transfer systems, along with bank and UPI transactions, to avoid detection. The money was allegedly used for logistics, travel and communication linked to the network.
As part of the ongoing crackdown, the STF carried out coordinated raids across Assam, West Bengal and Tripura, leading to the arrest of several suspects believed to be key operatives. Police said further arrests are likely as investigations continue to trace additional links, funding routes and sleeper cells.
Officials warned that the increasing use of digital tools for radicalisation poses a serious security challenge, particularly for vulnerable youth. The Assam Police said it is strengthening surveillance, cyber monitoring and community outreach to counter online extremism and prevent radicalisation.
The STF has registered cases under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other laws. Investigations are ongoing.