The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Friday that the Popular Front of India (PFI), a banned terrorist group, aimed to create an Islamic movement in India through “jihad,” employing tactics such as non-violent air raids and “guerrilla theatre,” alongside violent methods of cruelty and oppression.
In a statement, the ED revealed that it has attached 19 immovable properties valued at Rs 35.43 crore, linked to PFI, as part of its ongoing investigation. A total of 35 immovable properties valued at Rs 56.56 have been attached so far through various trusts, companies, and individuals.
The Enforcement Directorate has attached 19 immovable properties valued at Rs 35.43 crore beneficially owned and controlled by Popular Front of India (PFI) in the name of various trusts, companies and individuals, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act…
— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2024
According to a report by news agency PTI, the Popular Front of India (PFI), formed in Kerala in 2006 and headquartered in Delhi, was banned by the central government in September 2022 after raids by the ED, NIA, and state police. The ED claimed that the true objectives of PFI differ from its stated mission, alleging that the group sought to establish an Islamic movement in India under the guise of a social movement.
“Real objectives of PFI include formation of an organisation for carrying out an Islamic movement in India through jihad, though PFI masquerades itself as a social movement. PFI claimed the use of non-violent forms of protest but evidence reveals that the methods of protest employed by them are violent in nature,” the agency alleged.
ALSO READ | PFI Planned To Establish Caliphate In India by 2047, Kill Hindu Leaders: Delhi HC
Multiple Allegations Against PFI
The ED accused PFI of using violent methods, despite its claims of non-violent protests, and described its tactics as preparing for a “civil war” by creating societal unrest. These tactics included guerrilla theatre, non-mainstream media, and methods of subjugation such as intimidating officials, fraternisation (establishing unethical relations or contacts), mock funerals, interdict (a strong prohibitory order), Lysistratic non-action or sexual abstinence.
It also found creating parallel governments and revealing identities of secret agents in order to “undermine” the unity and sovereignty of the country. The group used strategies such as “politically-motivated counterfeiting,” “preclusive purchasing” (purchasing strategic goods in international markets to keep an opponent from doing the same), “selective patronage,” nonviolent land seizure, asset seizure, dumping (selling a good at a lower price than its market value to put pressure on an opponent), etc.
The ED further alleged that the organisations provided arms training disguised as physical education, teaching offensive and defensive combat using weapons like knives and swords. PFI was also accused of inciting violence during the 2020 Delhi riots and attempting to disrupt communal harmony in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh.
The allegations also highlight against the PFI of building a “terrorist gang” by collecting deadly weapons and explosive devices. It is being set to launch attacks on significant and sensitive places and individuals. The attacks were in intentions to undermine the unity, integrity, and sovereignty, and disturb the communal harmony of India.
The group has been charged with planning a training camp to cause trouble during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Patna on July 12, 2022. Allegations have been made against the PFI that they planned and raised money for “committing and financing” terror activities throughout India through banking channels, “hawala,” contributions, and other means both domestically and internationally.
“PFI had more than 13,000 active members in Singapore and Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. PFI has formed well-defined district executive committees (DECs) for the non-resident Muslim diaspora living in the Gulf, which was tasked with collection of funds,” the ED said.
The agency stated that as part of its investigation, it has detained 26 PFI members, issued nine chargesheets, and seized assets valued at a total of Rs 61.72 crore.
