Cyber Terrorism: Teenager Behind 50+ Cyberattacks on Indian Govt Sites Arrested by Gujarat ATS

In a major breakthrough shaking India’s cybersecurity landscape, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested 18-year-old Jasim Shahnawaz Ansari from Nadiad for allegedly orchestrating over 50 cyberattacks on Indian government websites. The attacks reportedly surged following India’s launch of Operation Sindoor—a military response to the Pahalgam terror strike in May 2025.

Telegram Group ‘AnonSec’ at Core of Attacks

Officials revealed that Ansari, along with several juveniles, formed a Telegram group named AnonSec, where they coordinated Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks using freely available tools from platforms like GitHub and Termux. Key government domains in the defense, aviation, finance, and urban development sectors were targeted. Some defaced websites carried messages like, “India may have started it, but we will be the ones to finish it.”

Digital Warfare Taught via YouTube and Open-Source Tools

Investigators say Ansari and his group learned Python programming and cyberattack techniques through YouTube tutorials. They used mobile apps like PyDroid to flood servers and platforms like checkhost.net to verify damage. Post-attack, the group would boast about their exploits in online forums and chatrooms.

Juvenile Radicalization Under the Scanner

ATS officials are alarmed by the young demographic of the cyber attackers. Ansari, a class-12 student who recently failed his exams, is part of a larger group of minors believed to be involved. One 17-year-old is already under watch, and officials suspect foreign influence. “There’s a strong possibility of external handlers or radical content influencing these youths,” said a senior ATS officer.

FIRs Filed Under IT Act for Cyber Terrorism

FIRs have been lodged under Sections 43 and 66F of the IT Act, which pertain to cyber terrorism and unauthorized access. The ATS continues to trace digital footprints to determine the full extent of the operation and potential international links.

Experts Call for Cyber Literacy and Reforms

Cybersecurity analysts warn this incident is a wake-up call. “The democratization of hacking tools means anyone with basic internet access can pose a national security threat,” said one expert. Calls have grown for integrating cybersecurity education into schools and implementing stricter monitoring of juvenile cyber activities.

As India grapples with evolving physical and digital threats, this arrest highlights the urgent need to address online radicalization and better safeguard government infrastructure from cyber warfare.