April 28, 2024

NIA Raids 25 Locations in Karnataka, Kerala, and Bihar in PFI Phulwarisharif Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out extensive raids at approximately 25 locations in Karnataka, Kerala, and Bihar on Wednesday, as part of their investigation into the Popular Front of India (PFI) Phulwarisharif case.

The ongoing raids are focused on apprehending individuals associated with the conspiracy involving PFI leaders and members who were engaged in violent and unlawful activities. These individuals had gathered in the Phulwarisharif area of Patna with the intention of carrying out their plans.

Earlier, six individuals were arrested in connection with the case, and various incriminating materials and documents related to the PFI were seized. The case was initially registered on July 12 last year at the Phulwarisharif police station in Patna, and later re-registered by the NIA on July 22 last year.

In February of this year, the NIA conducted searches at eight locations in Motihari, Bihar, leading to the arrest of two individuals named Tanveer Raza, also known as Barkati, and Md Abid, also known as Aryan. These individuals were involved in procuring weapons and ammunition for the purpose of carrying out targeted killings.

According to the NIA, prior reconnaissance had been conducted for executing the planned attack, and the seized weapons and ammunition were handed over to a PFI trainer named Yakoob. Yakoob had been conducting training sessions for PFI members.

Recently, Yakoob, the PFI trainer, posted a derogatory and inflammatory video on Facebook, aimed at disrupting peace and communal harmony. The agency revealed that the post received abusive comments and trolling from other Facebook users. Yakoob, along with the two arrested individuals, had identified some of these users and conspired to carry out the targeted killing.

With the previous arrests made, the NIA declared that it had successfully dismantled a PFI module that was involved in planning targeted killings and disturbing communal harmony.