NIA Raids PFI-Linked Multiple Locations Across 4 States

The PFI is accused of having links with extremist groups, promoting radical ideologies, being involved in anti-national activities and spreading violences.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has started raids at multiple locations across 4 states in India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Goa, in connection with its probe against the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its sympathizers. 

The raids were initiated based on inputs about individuals associated with PFI, according to officials. The Union government had banned PFI and its affiliates, including the Campus Front of India, in September, following a crackdown on the organization and the arrest of 108 of its leaders and members.

The NIA’s action against PFI comes after a tribunal upheld the ban on PFI under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in March. 

The tribunal agreed with the government’s submission that even though these organizations have a laudable purpose on paper, they are indulging in illegal activities against the integrity and sovereignty of the country.

The NIA had filed five charge sheets against PFI leaders and members last month. The organization has been accused of involvement in various criminal activities, including terror funding, arms smuggling, and inciting violence.

The raids were conducted at 12 locations in Bihar, including a place in Urdu Bazaar in Darbhanga, two in Uttar Pradesh, and one each in Punjab and Goa. The officials involved in the raids have not yet revealed any details about the outcome of the searches.

The PFI, which was founded in 2006, claims to work for the socio-economic and political empowerment of Muslims in India. 

However, the organization has been accused of having links with extremist outfits and promoting radical ideologies. 

The government had earlier accused the PFI of being involved in anti-national activities, including the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence in Maharashtra.

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