The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has seized the assets of around 40 terrorists affiliated with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). As per a Special Court order, the individuals are accused in various cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The movable and immovable assets are valued at several crores of rupees and include properties linked to notorious terrorist Ashraf Moulavi.
The NIA took this action following a court directive, citing that the assets were being used by the accused to fund terrorist activities. The agency expressed concerns that if the assets were not seized, the terrorists would likely sell them during the trial proceedings, causing a significant loss to the state. Additionally, the funds could be used to intimidate witnesses, destroy evidence, and assist terrorists in going underground.
The accused, who have been implicated in multiple violent incidents, including the murder of RSS leader Palakkad Sreenivasan, argued that the NIA was misusing its power. However, the court rejected these claims, siding with the NIA’s findings. The agency highlighted the PFI’s links to international terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda, as well as its connection to the outlawed Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
PFI, known for its extremist ideology, was formed through the merger of several regional outfits, including the National Development Front (NDF) of Kerala, Manita Neeti Pasharayi of Tamil Nadu, and the Karnataka Forum for Dignity. The NIA revealed that many PFI members were former leaders of SIMI, further strengthening the group’s terror networks.
The agency also accused the PFI of attempting to incite communal riots, disrupt the country’s peace, and spread religious hatred through inflammatory speeches and pamphlets. Furthermore, the organisation has been actively involved in plotting to overthrow India’s democracy and establish an Islamic state by 2047. According to the NIA, PFI operates through three primary wings: Reporting, Training, and Hit Squads, and has been disseminating ISIS propaganda through social media platforms.
The NIA’s decisive action has been welcomed by the public, particularly in Kerala, where PFI-linked violence has led to several brutal murders. The seizure of these assets is seen as a major blow to the group’s financial capabilities and a step towards curbing its terrorist activities.
The Union Government has banned the PFI and its affiliate organisations under UAPA due to their involvement in anti-national activities, including spreading religious hatred, instigating violence, and threatening India’s sovereignty and integrity.
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