Jharkhand News : India’s counter-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has uncovered crucial details in a case linked to the spread of ISIS ideology and online radicalisation. During its investigation into an ISIS module, the NIA found that Rahul Sen alias Umar Bahadur, a resident of Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, created multiple fake social media profiles after converting his religion to circulate extremist propaganda.
Multiple identities, single agenda
According to the NIA, Rahul alias Umar operated several social media accounts under different names, including Sanatani, Musafir, Rahul O, and Rahul Sen on Instagram, while running Telegram channels under names such as Umar Bahadur, Khalid, Daeesi, Osama bin Laden, Baqiya, and Dawala. All these accounts were allegedly controlled by him alone and were used to upload ISIS propaganda videos and material to mislead and influence young users.
Edited ISIS videos to radicalise youth
Investigators say Rahul edited ISIS videos before uploading them online with the aim of radicalising Indian youth and encouraging terror-related activities across the country. Chats recovered from his mobile phone reportedly show him advising several young individuals to join ISIS. The agency has found that his network had links across Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, and other states. Rahul alias Umar has been in judicial custody since September 14, 2023.
Links with Syria-based ISIS operative
The probe also revealed that Rahul alias Umar was in contact with a Syria-based ISIS terrorist named Abu Umar. Both were connected on Instagram through an account named Musafir. During questioning, Umar admitted that he aspired to travel to Syria and formally join ISIS.
Part of a wider extremist network
Rahul alias Umar was identified as a key link in a network connected to Faizan Ansari, a resident of Lohardaga. The NIA has recorded statements from 38 individuals who were allegedly targeted for radicalisation. Investigators noted that ISIS is increasingly focusing on digital propaganda—using audio clips, videos, and PDFs—rather than direct combat, to expand its influence.
Luring with promises of heaven, jihad, and money
A digital marketing professional, Talha Jarnail, told the NIA that Faizan Ansari had encouraged him to join ISIS by promising jannat (heaven). He also cited Rahul Sen’s religious conversion and involvement in extremist ideology as an example. Claims of earning money through bomb-making were also discussed during these interactions, according to the investigation.
Investigation continues
The NIA believes the case highlights a broader pattern of online radicalisation through social media platforms. The agency is continuing its probe to identify and dismantle the full network, stressing that combating digital extremism is critical to preventing youth from being drawn into terror ideologies.
