ISIS handlers have asked its modules and lone wolf attackers in India to use machetes and big chopping knives to target people. (Photo: AFP/Representational)

New Delhi: Islamic State group’s handlers have instructed its modules and lone wolf attackers in India to use machetes and big chopping knives to target people, particularly foreign citizens.

According to reports, ISIS handlers have asked its fighters to not risk illegally buying weapons and assembling explosive devices, but instead carry out hacking attacks in India.

The intelligence agencies believe that the Islamist extremist group’s motive to carry out hacking attacks is to terrorise public even more. ISIS fighters may also record the hacking incidents to share it online to promote the terror outfit in India.

So far two plots of hacking attacks have been unearthed in the last few months. The first came to light in July when the West Bengal CID busted a terror module led by Masiuddin alias Abu Musa. The CID had seized machetes that the members had acquired to attack a family.

Last week, the National Investigation Agency arrested a Kerala-Tamil Nadu module in Kanakamala hilltop in Kannur and arrested its members. They were planning to attack foreigners at tourist spots in the two states and hack them to death.

The intelligence officials reportedly said that ISIS modules were operating in several states, particularly in Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka.

Meanwhile, the security agencies have kept many radicalised Indians, who are in contact with ISIS handlers, under surveillance. They would be arrested as and when they pose a threat to society.