The NIA continues to crack down on PFI; more than 50 members have been arrested across the country
A crackdown on the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its office bearers has been resumed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), in conjunction with state police departments. In Karnataka, the officials Tuesday took 25 local leaders, including those of the PFI and its political offshoot, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), into preventive custody.
According to news agency ANI, raids are also underway at places linked to PFI leaders in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. Over 30 people have also been detained from different parts of Delhi, according to the report.
In Assam, four PFI associates were detained in Nagarbera. In many parts of the district, we are waging a campaign against PFI,” ADGP (Special Branch) Hiren Nath was quoted as saying.
A Nashik police officer has arrested two people associated with the PFI. A court appearance is scheduled for later today. There are raids going on in Malegaon town, the Nashik Police told ANI.
Four PFI activists were also arrested in Maharashtra’s Thane district for alleged anti-national activities. Police and crime branch officials jointly conducted an operation in the district on Monday night that led to the arrests, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Laxmikant Patil.
Various PFI leaders’ homes were also raided by police on Tuesday in Udupi district. The raids led to the arrest of four people in connection with various cases, according to news agency PTI.
In the meantime, five PFI activists were arrested in Kerala for engaging in violent activities during the state-wide hartal called by the organization on September 23, which followed raids on the organization’s offices and the arrest of its leaders across the country.
