NIA raids 20 PFI-linked locations across three districts in Kerala

In a major operation to dismantle the underground network providing logistical and financial support to absconding Popular Front of India (PFI) activists, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted raids at 20 locations linked to the banned organisation in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala.

According to official sources, nearly 20 premises were searched as part of the crackdown. In Ernakulam alone, NIA teams raided eight centres.

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The primary objective of the operation was to trace six key PFI activists who have been absconding since cases were registered against them following the nationwide ban on the organisation.

Among the wanted persons is 28-year-old Abdul Vahab of Aluva, for whom the NIA has announced a reward of ₹7 lakh. Similar rewards have been declared for Abdul Rasheed K (35) of Pattambi and Ayub T.A. (52) of Edavanakkad.

The agency has also offered a reward of ₹3 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Muhammad Mansoor (43) of Pattambi. In addition, the NIA has sought public assistance in locating Muhammad Yasar Arafath of Alangad and Moideenkutty P of Valanchery, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

Although the PFI has been banned, its activities are suspected to be continuing underground. Intelligence inputs suggest that while some of the wanted individuals may still be hiding within Kerala, others could have moved to neighbouring states. Sources said the NIA is closely monitoring these developments and tracking covert networks operating in the state.

The NIA is learnt to have recovered crucial documents during Wednesday’s raids. By analysing the seized documents and digital data, the agency aims to expose the wider network believed to be facilitating the movement, shelter and funding of these fugitives, sources added.