The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids in 20 centres in three districts of Kerala on January 28. Raids were conducted at the houses of workers of the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI) and workers of SDPI (Socialist Democratic Party of India), the political wing of the PFI. In Chavakkad, lengthy and elaborate raids were carried out at the residence of SDPI leader Hamis Abubacker, who was the former district leader of the PFI.
The NIA action is in view of the PFI terrorist cases, including Palakkad and several other NIA cases; the accused in these cases are still underground. The raids were reportedly carried out following information that those accused were somewhere in the area. Raids were mainly conducted in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Chavakkad. Raids at eight locations are taking place in Ernakulam alone.
The raids began during the wee hours. Even though the PFI has been raided, it is reported that its dangerous and radical ideologies still influence activities through secret networks. Mohammed Manzour, Mohammed Yassar Arafat, Abdul Rasheed, Ayoob T.A. Moideenkutti and Abdul Hameed of Mele Pattambi, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Ernakulam Edavanakkad, Vazlancherry and Ernakulam Parur respectively are yet to be arrested. Investigations are underway to trace those who are helping them to hide.
The case RC-02/2022/NIA/KOC, registered by NIA in September 2022, relates to PFI’s criminal conspiracy and acts to spread the idea of violent jihad in India with the aim of dismembering and taking over the country by establishing Islamic Rule by 2047.
NIA Searches Multiple Locations in Kerala in PFI Jihadi Case pic.twitter.com/j4wmdukTi8
— NIA India (@NIA_India) January 28, 2026
As per NIA, investigations in the case have further revealed that PFI had established various Wings and Units, such as ‘Reporters Wing’, ‘Physical and Arms Training Wing’ and ‘Service Teams or Hit Teams’, to promote its nefarious agenda.
The terrorist outfit was using its various campuses, facilities and infrastructure to impart arms training to selected cadres in the guise of Physical Education, Yoga Training etc. The Hit Teams were being trained for the elimination of ‘targets’.
There are unconfirmed reports that Mohammed Manzour has escaped to Yemen. Look Out Circulars were issued for these accused in 2024. Lakhs of rupees were declared as reward money for tracing them.
Nationalist and Hindu organisations have been stating that the banned outfit and its political wing have been actively operating in Kerala. They allegedly enjoy an advantage in the state as both the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) are soft towards them. The reason, they argue, is simple: minority vote bank politics. Therefore, Kerala is being described as a safe haven for the aforementioned anti-national forces.
