Popular Front of India's Expansion Plans in Uttar Pradesh Revealed

New Delhi: Recently, a series of arrests, trials, and chargesheets have been filed against members of the Popular Front of India (PFI), revealing alarming details about the organization's plans to expand its reign of terror, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state.

The crackdown began with the proactive actions of the Uttar Pradesh Police and the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), leading to a nationwide effort by central agencies such as the National Investigative Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate. The culmination of these efforts resulted in the eventual ban of the PFI.

On February 16, 2021, the UP ATS arrested Anshad Badruddin and Firoz Khan, uncovering a sinister plot to carry out bomb blasts in various parts of Uttar Pradesh, with the intention of causing widespread harm and loss of innocent lives.

Anshad Badruddin, an active PFI cadre since 2010, was entrusted with the responsibility of expanding the organization. During the investigation, it was revealed that a diary seized from Anshad contained coded instructions related to rioting, arson, attack strategies during riots, PFI's operational methods, reconnaissance of local topography, and guidelines on how to carry out bomb blasts.

Further scrutiny of Anshad Badruddin's financial transactions uncovered that between January 2018 and January 2021, he received a total of Rs 3.5 lakh in his two accounts from four PFI-associated bank accounts. This money was reportedly being used to fund weapons, training, and the establishment of camps for terrorist activities, including bomb blasts and targeted killings. Interestingly, the flow of money ceased when Anshad Badruddin was apprehended.

Prior to these arrests, the Uttar Pradesh Police had detained Masud Ahmed, Atik ur Rehaman, and Alam, who were allegedly planning to create social disharmony in Hathras over the rape and murder of a girl. Investigations revealed substantial financial transactions into Masud Ahmed's bank account from individuals associated with the PFI.

The network extended beyond Uttar Pradesh, with key members from Telangana (Mohammad Abdul Ahad, Mohammad Irfan) and Karnataka (Abdul Khadder Puttur) also being arrested. Digital evidence, including provocative photos, videos, and pamphlets on sensitive issues like the Babri Masjid demolition and the Gyanvapi mosque matter, was collected, indicating a deliberate attempt to incite communal tensions.

Despite a significant raid by the NIA on September 22, 2022, resulting in several arrests, the intricate and extensive network of the PFI persists, prompting ongoing efforts to nab more members involved in these nefarious activities.