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NIA Raids Kerala in Crackdown on Banned PFI Revival & Funding

The National Investigation Agency conducted coordinated early-morning raids across multiple Kerala districts targeting former members of the banned Popular Front of India and its political wing, the SDPI. The operation, based on intelligence about clandestine fund mobilization, aimed to uncover networks sustaining the outlawed organization's activities. Officials seized digital devices and financial documents to trace funding trails and potential covert operations. The raids, supported by Central Armed Police Forces, are part of an ongoing probe into PFI's alleged revival attempts since its 2022 ban.

Key Points: NIA Raids Kerala Over PFI Revival, Funding Probe

  • Statewide pre-dawn raids in Kerala
  • Probe into banned PFI's covert revival
  • Focus on alleged extremist funding networks
  • Searches target former PFI, SDPI members
  • Electronic data, financial records seized
2 min read

NIA conducts raids in Kerala linked to PFI revival, funding

NIA conducts statewide raids in Kerala targeting former PFI, SDPI members to probe banned group's revival and alleged extremist funding networks.

"funds were being mobilised clandestinely to sustain banned organisational activities - NIA sources"

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 28

The National Investigation Agency carried out coordinated early-morning raids across multiple districts in Kerala on Wednesday as part of an ongoing probe into suspected efforts to revive the banned Popular Front of India and alleged financial support for extremist activities.

The searches began in the pre-dawn hours and targeted the residences and offices of former office-bearers of the PFI and its political wing, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

The action followed intelligence inputs suggesting that funds were being mobilised clandestinely to sustain banned organisational activities and to facilitate extremist operations.

In Thrissur district, NIA officials conducted a search at the residence of a top SDPI leader in Chavakkad.

This leader had earlier served as a district-level leader of the PFI and was reportedly subjected to a detailed inspection of his digital devices and banking records.

Officials reached his house at around 4 a.m., and the operation was led by a special NIA team from Kochi.

Similar searches were reported from Ernakulam, Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram districts, indicating a statewide sweep.

The Central Armed Police Forces were deployed at the raid locations to provide security and prevent any untoward incidents during the operation.

Sources said the investigation is primarily focused on determining whether the PFI, which was banned by the Union government in 2022 for its alleged involvement in unlawful and terrorist activities, continues to function through covert networks and proxy platforms.

Investigators are also examining whether financial channels are being used to support these activities in violation of the ban.

The latest round of searches is reportedly based on information obtained from individuals arrested during earlier NIA operations related to the outfit.

Officials are analysing seized materials, including electronic data and financial documents, to establish possible links and funding trails.

The NIA has not yet issued an official statement detailing the scope of the raids or the findings so far.

Further action is expected based on the outcome of the ongoing searches and analysis.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While national security is paramount, I hope the investigation is thorough and evidence-based. Raids at 4 AM are disruptive. The agencies must ensure they target only the guilty and not harass ordinary people.
R
Rahul R
Cutting off the funding is key. These groups cannot operate without money. The NIA must follow the digital trail and expose everyone involved, no matter how influential they are.
A
Anjali F
As a Keralite, it's worrying to see such news repeatedly. Our state is peaceful. I hope the investigation is transparent and its findings are shared publicly to clear the air and maintain communal harmony.
M
Michael C
Following this from abroad. India's robust counter-terrorism framework is commendable. Tracking financial networks is a global best practice to dismantle extremist structures. Hope this leads to concrete prosecutions.
K
Kavya N
The ban was imposed for solid reasons. If they are trying to revive secretly, it shows a blatant disregard for the law of the land. Strong action is the only answer. Jai Hind!

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