The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday carried out searches at nine locations across Kerala in connection with a 2022 case related to alleged jihadi criminal conspiracy involving the banned organisation Popular Front of India (PFI).
During the searches, the agency seized several incriminating materials, including digital devices, documents and other items linked to PFI and its associate or affiliate organisations.
The case (RC-02/2022/NIA/KOC), registered in September 2022, pertains to PFI’s alleged conspiracy to promote violent jihad with the objective of destabilising the country and establishing Islamic rule by 2047.
According to NIA investigations, PFI leaders and cadres allegedly sought to create communal discord by radicalising vulnerable youth. The organisation was reportedly involved in providing weapons training, raising funds, and planning acts of terror and violence as part of its anti-national activities.
The probe has further revealed that PFI had set up multiple wings, including a ‘Reporters Wing’, ‘Physical and Arms Training Wing’, and ‘Service or Hit Teams’, to advance its agenda. Selected cadres were allegedly trained in arms handling under the cover of physical education and yoga programmes, while hit teams were prepared for targeted killings.
The NIA said investigations in the case are ongoing as part of its continued efforts to curb extremist and jihadi activities in the country.
