NIA held ‘reporter’ in Popular Front of India case from Kerala 

In the Popular Front of India case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a reporter from the Kollam district. 

During a search operation by the NIA, a reporter named Mohammed Sadik was arrested. He is working as a ‘reporter’ for the PFI. 

Meanwhile, PFI has assigned the job of a ‘reporter’ to the accused, Sadik, on which NIA said, “A ‘reporter’ in the PFI system collects details about leaders of other communities for possible targetting by ‘Hit Squads’ of the PFI.”

“The accused was arrested subsequent to the searches pertaining to the activities of PFI, its office bearers, members, and affiliates in Kerala, for conspiring to indulge in unlawful activities by creating enmity between members of different religions and groups prejudicial to maintenance of the peace and communal harmony and encouraging vulnerable youth to join terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)/Daesh and Al-Qaida and the people conspiracy to establish Islamic rule in India by committing a terrorist act as a part of violent jihad,” NIA stated. 

Earlier on 19 September 2022, a case was registered by the NIA Kochi-based branch. 

Furthermore, the NIA discovered digital devices and several incriminating documents at the accused’s home.

However, in connection with the Popular Front of India, the NIA has taken custody of an auto driver, Mohammed Sadique, from Chavara in Kerala. 

“An auto driver, Mohammed Sadique, from Chavara, Kollam district, has been taken to NIA custody in connection with PFI. NIA has also got his travel documents,” officials said.

Furthermore, in December 2022, at 56 locations in Kerala, the NIA conducted a search operation.