NIA, ED, conduct raids in 10 states over terror activities, 100 people linked to PFI
NIA, ED, conduct raids in 10 states over terror activities, 100 people linked to PFI detained
m.u.h
22/09/2022243
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Thursday conducted searches at the Popular Front of India’s offices (PFI) and houses of PFI state and district level leaders across 10 states over alleged involvement in terror activities. They also detained around 100 people linked to the PFI as part of the searches.
According to news agency PTI, the officials termed the searches “largest-ever investigation process till date”.
Sources told The Indian Express that the agencies were acting on suspicion that the people being probed were allegedly involved in organising terror camps and encouraging youth to join terror activities. “We have decided to conduct raids after we have got some crucial pieces of evidence against them and we are conducting searches at the premises of those allegedly involved in terror funding, organising training camps, and radicalising people to join the PFI,” sources said.
At least 10 places across Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka, including the residence of PFI state president Nazeer Pasha, were part of the NIA’s probe, sources said.
In Mangaluru, the NIA searched the offices of PFI and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) at Bajpe, Nellikai Road, Kulai, and Kavoor, police sources quoted by PTI said. Two people were taken into custody while activists of the SDPI and the PFI staged protests in front of their offices against the searches, the news agency reported. The Nellikai road was completely closed by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials as security was stepped up across locations in the city.
Before conducting raids, the NIA asked the state police to make all proper security arrangements to handle the law and order situation.
In response, the PFI, in a statement said, “We strongly protest the fascist regime’s moves to use agencies to silence dissenting voices.” The PFI, in a statement, said the “raids are taking place at the homes of its national, state and local leaders. The state committee office is also being raided”.