NIA Court Charges PFI Leaders for Alleged Terror Activities

A special NIA court at Patiala House has framed charges against Popular Front of India leaders, including founding chairman E Abubakar, for conspiracy, waging war against the country, and other terror-related offences. The case follows a nationwide crackdown in 2022 after PFI was deemed unlawful by the government.

The Special NIA court at Patiala House delivered a significant ruling on Friday, framing charges against the Popular Front of India (PFI) and 20 of its office bearers. Among those charged are founding chairman E Abubakar and chairman OMA Salam, accused of criminal conspiracy and waging war against the country. These charges follow allegations of fundraising and recruitment for terror activities under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

This decision comes after a nationwide crackdown in September 2022, initiated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) soon after the Central Government declared PFI an unlawful organization. Special Judge (NIA) Prashant Sharma referred to sufficient material evidence, asserting that the accused conspired to overthrow India's secular democratic government, aiming to establish an Islamic Caliphate by 2047.

The NIA registered an FIR in April 2022 in line with the Ministry of Home Affairs' directive, leading to the rigorous investigation and arrest of several PFI leaders. As the formal charges are set to be framed on July 10, the accused are to appear physically in court. Special Public Prosecutor Rahul Tyagi presented the case, alleging the PFI's plans to incite communal enmity and target senior RSS and Hindu leaders.