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Kerala police have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after a 16-year-old boy alleged that his mother and her friend attempted to radicalise him and encouraged him to join the Islamic State (Isis).
The case was filed after the teenager’s uncle brought him to the police, stating that the boy had made the claims upon returning from the United Kingdom.
According to investigators, the boy had been living in the UK with his parents before being brought back to Kerala recently. It was during his stay with relatives that he reportedly confided in his uncle, alleging that his mother’s friend had shown him Isis-related videos and urged him to join the terror outfit, as reported by CNNnews18. The teenager also claimed that his mother, a nurse working in the UK, was aware of these conversations.
Police officials said the uncle immediately approached local authorities, following which a formal complaint was registered. “The statements made by the minor are serious in nature. We have registered a case under relevant sections of the UAPA and initiated a detailed investigation,” a police officer told reporters.
However, the boy’s mother has strongly denied the allegations. In her statement to the police, she said the complaint stemmed from a long-running marital dispute and accused her estranged husband of “using the child to frame her.” The couple has been separated for some time, and she claimed that the allegations were fabricated to gain leverage in the dispute.
Police officials said they are examining all angles, including the possibility of family conflict influencing the claims. “We need to investigate all allegations thoroughly. At this stage, no conclusions can be drawn,” an officer said.
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View AllThe investigation will include verification of the boy’s statements, digital evidence, and communication records, officials added. Police are also expected to question the mother’s friend, who has been named in the complaint.
Authorities said that, given the involvement of a minor and the sensitivity of terror-related charges, the probe will proceed with caution. Further action will depend on the findings of the initial inquiry.