Centre to strengthen measures, names NIA’s pan-India crackdown on PFI code – ‘Operation Octopus ‘!

Описание: #OperationOctopus #PFI #ANI

The largest-ever crackdown that was conducted against the Popular Front of India (PFI) members spread across 15 states was code-named “Operation Octopus”, sources said on Saturday. The joint teams of the National Investigative Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested over 106 PFI members in multiple raids spread across several states on September 22. The states where the raids were conducted included Andhra Pradesh (4 places), Telangana (1), Delhi (19), Kerala (11), Karnataka (8), Tamil Nadu (3), Uttar Pradesh (1), Rajasthan (2), Hyderabad (5), Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, West Bengal, Bihar and Manipur.
The searches were conducted in connection with five cases registered by the NIA following “continued inputs and evidence” that the PFI leaders and cadres were involved in the funding of terrorism and terrorist activities, organising training camps for providing armed training and radicalising people to join banned organisations.
A large number of criminal cases have been registered in different states over the last few years against the PFI and its leaders and members for their involvement in many violent acts.
Criminal violent acts “carried out” by PFI include chopping off the hand of a college professor, cold-blooded killings of persons associated with organisations espousing other faiths, collection of explosives to target prominent people and places, support to Islamic State and destruction of public property. They have had a demonstrative effect of striking terror in the minds of the citizens.
After the National Investigation Agency (NIA) submitted a report to the court stating that the Popular Front of India (PFI) has recruited youths for banned terrorist organizations including the Islamic State, it is reported that strict action may be taken against the organization. Currently, 106 people have been arrested in various states as part of 'Operation Octopus' (the name given by the Center to the ongoing action against the Popular Front). Central Home Ministry sources inform that strong evidence will be obtained against the organization when they are interrogated in the coming days. Apart from NIA, various central agencies are also investigating in this regard.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had revealed the other day that the Popular Front of India had prepared a plan to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar. The plan was to attack a rally in Patna on July 12. ED also alleged that the Popular Front had organized a special training camp for this purpose. Similar findings were made by the NIA
In the coming days, the central government intends to present the evidence in various courts of the country where the cases are being heard. According to government sources, strong action will be taken against the Popular Front based on this. However, it is not clear whether it will go as far as banning the organization. In any case, there are indications that the government is preparing to take strong action against the organization.
The investigating agencies have received information related to the conduct of camps in Telangana and other places. Information has been received regarding the training of youths in a similar manner in North Eastern states as well. Action will be taken against the organization after examining these matters in detail.
The PFI had on Friday called for a 12-hour shutdown in Kerala, which turned violent in parts of the state. Stone-pelting was witnessed at various places, including at the RSS office at Mattannur in Kannur. Two police officials were also injured in the incident in Kollam.