The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered several hit lists with more than 950 names linked to the banned group Popular Front of India (PFI) in Kerala. This was revealed during a court hearing related to bail petitions filed by four PFI members from Palakkad — Muhammad Bilal, Riyasudheen, Ansar K P, and Saheer K V.
The NIA began investigating the PFI in May 2022, following orders from the central government accusing the group of anti-national activities. Later, the murder of RSS leader Sreenivasan from Palakkad, which happened in December 2022, was added to the case, and both investigations were combined.
According to the NIA, PFI has different wings: a ‘Reporter Wing’ that identifies community leaders seen as threats; a ‘Service Wing’ or hit teams assigned to target these individuals; and a Physical and Arms Training Wing where members are trained.
The agency revealed that documents recovered from one accused, Sirajudheen, included a list of 240 individuals targeted by the group. During a search at the Periyar Valley Campus in Aluva, details of five other targets were found in the possession of Abdul Wahad, another accused who is still at large. This list even contained the name of a former district judge.
Another accused, who later agreed to cooperate with investigators, had a hit list containing 232 names. Additionally, a search at the home of Ayoob T A, another suspect, uncovered a list with roughly 500 names. The NIA has declared the Periyar Valley Campus, used for arms training, as a terror-related property under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
The NIA’s New Delhi unit is also investigating a related case from Bihar, where they found a six-page document titled “India 2047” with accused Muhammed Jamaludheen. The agency says this document outlines PFI’s plan to establish Islamic rule in India, linking the murder of Sreenivasan to this broader conspiracy. Audio recordings and witness accounts reportedly support the existence of this plan.
The four accused denied all charges, saying the allegations were false and asked for bail, pointing out they have been in custody for over three years and the investigation is complete.
However, after considering all evidence, the court found sufficient grounds to believe the accusations and noted the seriousness of the charges. Since the final charge sheet is filed and the case is ready for trial, the court rejected their bail requests, applying relevant provisions of the UAPA.
What is the Popular Front of India (PFI)?
The Popular Front of India is a controversial organization formed in 2006. It describes itself as a socio-political group working for the rights and welfare of minority communities, especially Muslims. However, the group has been accused by various state and central agencies of involvement in unlawful activities, including promoting radicalization and engaging in violent acts. Due to these allegations, the Indian government banned the PFI in 2022, labeling it as an unlawful and extremist organization.
The PFI has been linked to several criminal cases across different states, including communal violence, extortion, and terror-related activities. The government and investigative agencies believe that the group operates with a secretive structure, involving recruitment, arms training, and targeted attacks. The ongoing investigations aim to uncover the full extent of the PFI’s network and curb its influence in India.
