In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the local police have taken up a comprehensive investigation into allegations that a sixteen-year-old boy has been coerced into joining the Islamic State (IS). Concurrently, investigators are scrutinizing whether there exists any link between this incident and a Kanyakulangara resident who was previously questioned in relation to the 2019 Kanakamala IS recruitment case. The individual under investigation is reportedly the brother of the accused woman’s friend from Pandalam, according to police sources.
According to reports, the boy, originally from Nedumangad, allegedly had ties with a man from Vembayam, who is believed to be associated with the Islamic State. The investigation comes as authorities are said to be considering transferring the case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The link between this recent alleged recruitment and the 2019 Kanakamala case, which involved the arrest of several individuals for suspected IS activities, is a focus of the ongoing inquiry. It remains to be seen whether there is any substantial connection between the two incidents or if they are separate instances of radicalization.
