PFI leader in Kerala in touch with Islamic State and Al-Qaeda

Kochi- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday placed several important facts related to the banned PFI before the special NIA court in Kochi. The NIA told the court that leaders of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in Kerala were in touch with some leaders of the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda. Along with this, the NIA has asked the court for some more time to investigate against the PFI leaders arrested after the ban, which the court has accepted and extended another 90 days for collecting evidence and charge sheet.

The NIA also told the court that a secret wing of the PFI is working to prepare a hit list of people belonging to other communities. It was said that their activities were centered around the PFI office. The NIA said that ‘IS and Al-Qaeda terrorist organizations use the country’s anti-state and religious terrorist organizations for subversive activities in countries where their direct operation is not possible.

The NIA has received indications that “there are some IS, Al-Qaeda leaders in contact with PFI leaders in Kerala which needs detailed investigation”. The probe agency said, “Investigation has also revealed steps taken by PFI leaders to involve youth in terrorist activities through social media groups. Many people have already been questioned as the investigation has reached its final stage.”

The NIA court accepted the NIA’s request for more time to gather comprehensive evidence and investigate. Accordingly, NIA has been given 90 more days to complete the investigation and file the charge sheet. There are 13 accused in the case registered in Kochi. After this decision of the court, the period of his judicial custody has been increased to 180 days.