NIA Conducts Raids Across 20 Sites in Tamil Nadu Linked to PFI
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Synopsis
The NIA executed extensive raids in Tamil Nadu's Mayiladuthurai and Chennai, targeting 20 locations linked to the PFI. The operation, which began at 3:30 a.m., is part of an ongoing investigation into the 2019 murder of PMK leader Ramalingam, allegedly involving PFI members.
Key Takeaways
- Extensive NIA raids conducted.
- Targeted 20 locations linked to PFI.
- Focus on radicalization and recruitment efforts.
- Related to 2019 murder investigation of Ramalingam.
- Involvement of multiple state police units.
Chennai, Jan 28 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) undertook extensive operations in the Tamil Nadu districts of Mayiladuthurai and Chennai on Tuesday. The operation kicked off at 3:30 a.m. and involved raids at 20 locations.
Out of these, 15 locations were in Mayiladuthurai and five in Chennai, with participation from teams hailing from Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Police were also on hand to assist with the raids.
As per police reports, the focus of these raids was on areas linked to the banned Islamic fundamentalist group, Popular Front of India (PFI). The NIA has previously executed similar operations in Tamil Nadu, targeting regions such as Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Madurai, and others. These activities primarily aimed at former members of the outlawed PFI, which was proscribed by the Central government in 2022.
This latest operation is reportedly tied to the ongoing investigation into the 2019 murder of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Ramalingam in Thanjavur. Ramalingam was allegedly murdered by PFI members on February 5, 2019, for his opposition to forced religious conversions among marginalized communities.
The NIA had previously filed a charge sheet against 18 individuals in relation to this case. In a prior operation on September 24, 2024, the NIA raided 12 locations in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Kanyakumari, and Pudukottai. These raids were connected to the recruitment activities of the banned terror group Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), which aims to establish an Islamic state governed by its founder Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani’s constitution.
The NIA assumed control of the HUT case from Tamil Nadu Police and apprehended an HUT activist, Aziz Ahamed (also known as Jaleel Aziz Ahmed), at Bengaluru International Airport on August 31, 2024, while he was attempting to flee the country.
Aziz’s arrest was considered a significant breakthrough in the crackdown on HUT’s operations within India. Earlier, on August 1, 2024, Tamil Nadu Police detained six individuals associated with HUT based on intelligence reports. Among those arrested were engineering graduate Hameed Hussain, his father, and his brother, who faced charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Follow-up investigations led to the arrest of three additional suspects during raids in Chennai and North Tambaram.
Authorities disclosed that Hameed Hussain was the mastermind orchestrating recruitment for HUT and had been actively disseminating videos on social media promoting an Islamic Caliphate. He also criticized democratic processes in some of his videos, according to reports. The NIA is continuing its investigation into these networks, concentrating on their recruitment methods and their attempts to jeopardize national security through radicalization efforts.
