In PFI Phulwari Sharif Case, NIA Raids 25 Locations In Kerala, Karnataka, Bihar

The National Investigation Agency conducted raids at 25 locations in Karnataka, Kerala and Bihar in connection with the Phulwari Sharif case, which is linked to the Popular Front of India.

The case on hand has been ongoing since 2022, when the PFI was banned by an order of the Union Home Ministry. Last month the agency had arrested one person taking the total number to 14.

The NIA had unearthed the Bihar module of the PFI, following which seven a retired Jharkhand police officer had been arrested. The agency learnt that the accused persons in a bid to undertake anti-national activities had received funds in the form of cryptocurrency from a foreign organisation.

The NIA had also carried out searches in the Jamia Niswa Madrasa located in Purvi Champaran in Bihar and arrested a teacher identified as Asghar Ali. The case was registered under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

In the raids that were conducted by the agencies several objectionable material had been recovered. One such document recovered was titled Vision 2047 India. The document spoke about ways to launch armed attacks on the Indian state with the help of nations such as Turkey. It also spoke about establishing Islamic rule by the year 2047.

In September 2022, along with the PFI, the government had also banned its affiliates, Rehab India Foundation (RIF). Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women's Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala as an "unlawful association."

The PFI according to the agencies has been raising and collecting funds from abroad in a well organised manner. It also came to the notice of the NIA that the outfit was raising funds abroad and was getting it transferred to India through clandestine means.