ED attaches Rs 67 crore worth of PFI, SDPI-linked properties in Kerala

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached eight immovable properties worth approximately Rs 67.03 crore that are beneficially owned and controlled by the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and its political front, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), in various places in Kerala.

The properties attached by the ED through, an order dated November 6, are in the name of trusts and foundations including Green Valley Foundation in Malappuram, Alappuzha Social Culture and Education Trust, Pandalam Education and Cultural Trust in Pathanamthitta, Islamic Centre Wayanad, Haritham Foundation Malappuram, Periyar Valley Charitable Trust in Aluva, Valluvanadan Trust in Palakkad, and SDPI’s land in Thiruvananthapuram.

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The ED’s investigation revealed that PFI used these properties, including the Green Valley Foundation premises, to conduct “physical education” training programs (which included arms training and offensive/defensive manoeuvres) to prepare cadres for a “jihadist agenda” and unlawful activities.

The investigation agencies have already seized assets worth Rs 129 crore related to the banned organisation PFI and the political party SDPI.

The case against the Popular Front was that it acted against the country, conducted hawala money transfers to the country, and used foreign funds for terrorist activities. The Central Government banned the activities of the Popular Front of India in 2022. The Union Home Ministry imposed the ban for 5 years.

The action was taken in view of national security and law and order. This ban applies to the PFI and 8 affiliated organizations. The ban was imposed after a nationwide raid was conducted on allegations of terrorist links and documents were seized.

The PFI offices and houses of leaders were searched twice. Cases were registered and arrests were made against people, including national and state leaders. On September 22, 2022, 106 people were arrested in a nationwide raid conducted by the National Investigation Agency. 19 leaders were arrested from Kerala alone.