ED Conducts Raids on Homes of SDPI Supporters in Kerala

Synopsis

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed simultaneous raids in Kerala at locations linked to the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) amidst ongoing investigations into money laundering. The operations targeted the residences of key SDPI figures following the arrest of the party's national president in connection with illicit funding from the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

Key Takeaways

ED conducted raids in Palakkad and Kottayam.
Targeted homes of prominent SDPI supporters.
Investigating money laundering linked to PFI.
SDPI denies direct ties with PFI.
Faizy’s arrest raises questions about party finances.

Thiruvananthapuram, March 20 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated searches at two locations in Kerala on Thursday, targeting areas in Palakkad and Kottayam as part of a broader operation across several states focusing on the offices and properties associated with the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

Operations are ongoing at both sites.

In Palakkad, ED officials visited the luxurious residence of businessman Kabeer, while in Kottayam, they raided the home of Nishad, a member of the SDPI and a former leader of the now-prohibited Popular Front of India (PFI).

Although Kabeer was absent, his family members were present, and the ED is investigating further details regarding the money laundering case under high-level scrutiny.

Earlier on March 6, similar operations were conducted in three districts, and these recent searches followed the arrest of the SDPI's National President M.K. Faizy in relation to a money laundering investigation linked to the PFI.

Faizy was apprehended at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on March 3 and was later presented before a special court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases at the Patiala House courts, where the ED was granted six days for custodial questioning.

Investigators suspect that the SDPI received Rs 4.07 crore from the PFI through illicit hawala channels, allegedly redirecting the funds to its units across the country.

Established in 2009, the SDPI has long been suspected of maintaining close connections with the PFI, which was banned by the Union government in 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its purported anti-national activities.

Despite the SDPI's persistent denial of any direct links with the PFI, asserting its status as an independent political entity, the arrest of Faizy and the latest raids have again cast a spotlight on the party's financial activities.

Faizy was previously a member of the PFI before transitioning to the SDPI in 2009, where he climbed the ranks to become the national President.