Complaint filed against 40 accused in various cases under UAPA

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has seized the assets of around 40 terrorists linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). As per a special court order, the individuals are accused in several cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The movable and immovable assets are worth crores of rupees and include properties linked to notorious terrorist Ashraf Moulavi.

The NIA took this action on the instructions of a court, arguing that the accused were using the assets to finance terrorist activities. The agency expressed concerns that if the assets were not seized, the terrorists would likely sell them during the legal proceedings, causing significant losses to the state. Moreover, the funds could be used to intimidate witnesses, destroy evidence and help terrorists go underground.

The accused, who are involved in numerous violent incidents, including the murder of RSS leader Palakkad Sreenivasan, argued that the NIA was abusing its power. However, the court rejected these allegations and agreed with the NIA's findings. The agency highlighted the PFI's links with international terrorist organisations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, ISIS and Al-Qaeda, as well as its connection with the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

PFI, known for its extremist ideology, was formed by the merger of several regional organisations, including the National Development Front (NDF) of Kerala, Manita Neeti Pasharayi of Tamil Nadu and the Karnataka Forum for Dignity. The NIA revealed that many PFI members were former leaders of SIMI, which further strengthened the group's terror networks.

The agency also accused the PFI of trying to instigate communal riots, disrupt peace in the country and spread religious hatred through inflammatory speeches and leaflets. Moreover, the organization was actively involved in planning to overthrow India's democracy and establish an Islamic state by 2047. According to the NIA, the PFI operates through three main areas: reporting, training and hit squads, and it spreads ISIS propaganda through social media platforms.

The NIA's decisive action has been welcomed by the public, particularly in Kerala where PFI-linked violence has led to several brutal murders. The seizure of these assets is seen as a major blow to the group's financial strength and a step towards curbing its terrorist activities.

The Union government has banned the PFI and its affiliates under the UAPA for their involvement in anti-national activities, including spreading religious hatred, inciting violence and threatening the sovereignty and integrity of India.