NIA nabs 2 PFI cadres who organized arms training camps in Rajasthan

The accused radicalized Muslim youth to commit unlawful activities and terrorist acts in various parts of India

November 4, 2023

NIA probe reveals armed training was provided to achieve the PFI’s long-term agenda, which is to establish Islamic Rule by 2047

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two trained cadres of the Popular Front of India (PFI) — Vajid Ali and Mubarik Ali, involved in organizing ‘Weapons Training Camps’ in Jaipur and Kota and provided weapons training to young cadres of the organization.

“Investigations uncovered that the arrested accused, Vajid Ali and Mubarik Ali, along with the previously charge-sheeted accused individuals, Ashif, Sarraf, and Sohail, were involved in organizing Weapons Training Camps in Jaipur and Kota, where they provided weapons training to young cadres of the organization to achieve the long-term agenda of the PFI i.e. establishing Islamic Rule in India by the year 2047 and to overthrow the democratically elected central government through violent acts,” the official said.

An NIA official here said that both are residents of Rajasthan’s Kota. The official said that the probe found that Mohammad Ashif, also known as Asif, Sadiq Sarraf, and Mohammad Sohail, all being trained cadres or members of the Popular Front of India (PFI), were involved in a criminal conspiracy.

“Their conspiracy and activities included recruitment of members to the PFI to commit violent acts to instill fear among the general public. These acts were also extended to inciting religious hatred, radicalization of Muslim youth, organization of training camps, and fundraising for the commission of terrorist acts,” the official said.

In pursuance of the conspiracy, accused Sarraf and Ashif were radicalizing Muslim youth to commit unlawful activities and terrorist acts in various parts of India, including Rajasthan.

The official further said that PFI collected funds from members of the Muslim community under the guise of ‘Zakat’, which is meant for charitable purposes.

“These funds, instead of being utilized for welfare and charitable activities, were being used instead to support weapons trainers and training being organized by the PFI,” the official said.

The Central government banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) in September 2022.

[With Inputs from IANS]

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