NIA Probes Alleged ISIS Recruitment of 15-Year-Old; Kanakamala Case Accused Under Surveillance

Thiruvananthapuram: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has commenced an investigation into a UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act) case registered by Venjaramoodu police based on a complaint that a 15-year-old boy was incited to join the Islamic State (ISIS). The NIA’s Kochi unit is conducting the probe. The case, filed on November 14, 2025, pertains to incidents that reportedly occurred between November 1, 2021, and July 31, 2025. The UAPA charges were brought against the boy’s mother and stepfather for allegedly encouraging him to join the terrorist organization ISIS. Both the NIA and central intelligence agencies have launched parallel investigations into the matter.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Ansar, the stepfather who allegedly incited the 15-year-old to join ISIS, is the brother of Siddique, an accused in the Kanakamala case. Following the boy’s statement, all individuals involved in the Kanakamala case are now under the surveillance of central intelligence agencies. It is suspected that the 15-year-old’s mother and stepfather, who are also listed as accused, have fled.

The woman, her husband, and the child had been residing in the UK since 2021. The Christian woman, a native of Nedumangad residing in Vembayam, Thiruvananthapuram, had converted to Islam after marrying a man from Pandalam, Pathanamthitta. The 15-year-old boy is their son.

Later, Ansar, a friend from Vembayam, established a close relationship with this family. It is alleged that while in the UK, he attempted to influence the child towards ISIS by showing him videos and other materials. The child reported that his biological father expressed displeasure over Ansar’s actions, which involved observing extreme religious practices, leading to his mother distancing herself from his father. Currently, both parents are living separately.

Upon returning to India, the woman and her friend placed the child in an orphanage within the Attingal police station limits. However, noticing a change in the child’s behavior, the orphanage authorities informed the child’s father’s family. Following this, the father’s relatives approached the police, leading to the registration of the case.