The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has sounded an alert on a possible strike by terror group ISIS, or the Islamic State, across the country. While there have been intelligence inputs about sympathisers of the terror group being active in India, but this is the first time there has been an alert about the possibility of a strike in the country. The alert, which has been sent to all state police forces, says the group can target Turkish nationals and interests in the country.

The alert issued on June 1 states that consequent to developments in Syria, it is anticipated that there may be increased threat to Turkish Missions and interests in various countries by terror organisation ISIS. "Following this information, security of Turkish interests should be strengthened," the alert said.

Till now, the government's stand has been that the appeal of ISIS is only limited to a few radicalised youth from the minority community but there is no influence of the group directly in the country.

Sources said Indian intelligence agencies are also working closely with their western counterparts to monitor any possible ISIS-backed terror module that may try to sneak into the country from outside. Intelligence agencies have also cautioned all airport security agencies to detect and neutralise any possible module.

The IB, in a recent report, disclosed that other than the four Kalyan boys, there were seven others from India who were in the war zone fighting for the jihadi group in Iraq and Syria. The report has also identified five Indians who have died fighting the war to establish a Caliphate. While Areeb Majeed, one of the Kalyan youth, returned to India and was taken in custody by the National Investigation Agency, five Indians are still fighting the 'holy war' according to the intelligence inputs gathered.

While Indian agencies have been working on the influence of the group on Indian youth, there was no input till now about the group striking in India. Sources said the group could either use its resources within the country or infiltrate to carry out the attacks.

Intelligence agencies have been keeping a close watch on suspicious activities of some ISIS sympathisers within India. Few months back, intelligence agencies identified ISIS sympathisers across the country as part of an ongoing operation to crackdown on the activities of these fringe elements.

There were close to 35 self-radicalised jihadis who were identified for spreading the venomous dogma of ISIS, according to recent intelligence reports. Elements active in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, who have been termed as "ISIS sympathisers", are on the list prepared by intelligence agencies.

Based on intelligence inputs from the IB and intelligence units of various states, a report has been shared with the Union home ministry on the ISIS sympathisers who are under surveillance. Fearing increased activity and support for ISIS within India, the Centre banned the jihadi group in February this year under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act after intelligence agencies tipped off the home ministry about ISIS sympathisers looking for potential recruits in metros.