NIA conducts raids against PFI in six states

“During the searches, a substantial cache of crucial evidence in the ongoing case was found which included various digital devices such as laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards, memory cards, pen drives, and hard discs. We have seized Rs 8.5 lakh cash, and incriminating documents during the operations,” the spokesperson added.

The agency had taken over the probe from the Patna Police, which had registered an FIR on July 12 last year. Ten days later, the central anti-terror agency re-registered the case and started its investigation. The Patna Police had raided the premises of one Athar Parvez in the Phulwarisharif area on July 11 last year resulting in the seizure of PFI literature and a document titled “India 2047 Towards Rule of Islam in India, Internal Document: Not for circulation”.

The NIA has filed three charge sheets so far against 13 suspects in this case and arrested 17 people. “Several individuals, including Athar Parvej, Md Jalaluddin Khan, Nooruddin Zangi alias Advocate Nooruddin, and Arman Malick alias Imteyaz Anwer, were arrested in the case. They are alleged to have been actively involved in furthering the unlawful activities of PFI, including the illicit funnelling of funds from overseas to the PFI members and suspects in this case,” the spokesperson said.

Previously, the NIA had conducted multiple searches in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala in order to collect evidence against the accused persons and suspects in the present case.

During the ongoing investigations, the NIA apprehended Anwar Rashid, a former member of the banned organisation Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). “Anwar Rashid’s arrest is linked to his involvement in a criminal conspiracy, alongside FIR-named suspects Athar Parvej, Manjar Parvej, and others, all working towards advancing the agenda of the PFI. Their aim has been the pursuit and establishment of Islamic Rule in India by the year 2047,” the agency said.

Following the ban on SIMI, its members, including Anwar Rashid, were associated with the Wahadat-e-Islami, an organisation formed by former SIMI members, who continued to promote the ideology of Islamic rule in India. “The investigations revealed that accused Anwar Rashid, in his association with a publication house, was involved in the supply of material for promoting the ideology of the PFI, specifically the establishment of Islamic Rule in India,” the spokesperson said.

Activist acquitted in blasts case also searched

Mumbai: Among the various places where raids were conducted included the Vikhroli residence of prisoners’ rights activist Abdul Wahid Shaikh who was acquitted in the 7/11 Mumbai serial train blasts case after spending several years in prison. Shaikh refused to open the door till officers showed their identity cards and had the proper paperwork to carry out the raid at his residence. Shaikh had earlier alleged that despite his acquittal, the law enforcement agencies continued to harass him.

Uploading a video from inside his residence, Shaikh said, “Some people claiming to be police personnel came to my residence at 5 am. Neither have they identified themselves nor have they given any notice. They broke one door and broke my camera. I have not opened the door for the past three hours. My wife and kids are unwell, and we are trapped in our house.”

He added, “I have complained to the local police and the Mumbai police commissioner and informed the media as well.” Outside his house, there was heavy police presence.