Ayoob, a key accused in the murder of RSS leader and former Sangh Pracharak Palakkad Sreenivasan and described as the chief weapon trainer of the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI), surrendered before the Kochi NIA Court on June 3 after remaining absconding despite an extensive manhunt by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The agency had issued a Look Out Circular against him and announced a reward of Rs 7 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
A native of Edavanakkad in Ernakulam district, Ayoob is accused of playing a major role in the conspiracy behind the killing of Sreenivasan, a former Palakkad Zilla Sareerik Pramukh, who was hacked to death by PFI assailants at his used motorcycle shop in Melamuri, Palakkad, on April 16, 2022. The NIA is investigating the case in connection with the murder and alleged anti-national activities.
It is reported that Ayoob surrendered after learning that the NIA had intensified its efforts to apprehend him. His residence at Edavanakkad in Ernakulam district had earlier been searched as part of the investigation. During the search, the NIA reportedly recovered a hit list of Hindu leaders. The PFI allegedly operated through various specialised wings, including a killer squad.
Observers believe that Ayoob’s surrender could provide investigators with vital information regarding the Popular Front of India’s alleged plans targeting Hindu leaders and other activities under investigation.
The Popular Front of India (PFI), formed in 2006, was declared an “unlawful association” and banned for five years by the Union Government on 28 September 2022 under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The ban followed nationwide raids by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and state police forces.
Along with the PFI, the Centre also banned its affiliated organisations, including the Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation (NCHRO), National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the organisation and its affiliates were involved in activities prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country, including alleged terror financing, organising terror camps, radicalisation and links with banned terrorist organisations.
