New Delhi, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Security agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state police forces, have raised concerns over a growing pattern of what officials describe as “invisible radicalisation” in South India, with terror outfits such as the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda allegedly targeting parents and close relatives to influence young people.
According to officials, the groups are increasingly shifting their focus from direct recruitment of vulnerable youth to approaching their parents or relatives. College students, unemployed youngsters and disgruntled individuals are among those being monitored as potential targets for radicalisation.
An official said foreign-based handlers were being used to contact parents and close relatives online. Once persuaded, these individuals were allegedly encouraged to identify and share material that could be used to influence their children.
“This strategy is considered more effective and carries far less risk. Security agencies are generally less likely to suspect parents and close relatives. Parents, in particular, are prime targets for these groups because they attract the least suspicion,” the official said.
Officials described the approach as “home-radicalisation”, explaining that parents and relatives can exercise greater influence over young people than third-party recruiters. While only a small proportion of those approached by outside handlers may continue with the radicalisation process, officials believe family involvement can significantly increase the chances of success.
Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka have emerged as major areas of concern for agencies tracking the activities of the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. Officials said the groups were also changing their broader strategy, moving away from immediate plans for lone-actor attacks towards discreetly promoting extremist ideology, seeking social legitimacy and attempting to become part of the political system.
One case cited by officials involved a 16-year-old boy in Thiruvananthapuram, who was allegedly radicalised by his mother and stepfather and encouraged to join the Islamic State. Police invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the case, which was registered in November 2025. The Venjaramoodu police had resisted the registration of the case, according to the report.
Officials said the detection of this case did not rule out attempts by terror outfits to adopt similar methods on a wider scale.
Security agencies have also been pursuing de-radicalisation initiatives to bring vulnerable individuals back into the mainstream by exposing misleading propaganda and the intentions of recruiters. However, officials believe countering radicalisation involving parents or close relatives could prove particularly difficult because of the direct influence families have over young people.
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