The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested MK Faizy, the national president of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), in connection with a money laundering investigation, sources confirmed on Tuesday.
SDPI is considered the political wing of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
Officials stated that Faizy was taken into custody at Delhi airport on Monday night under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
His arrest follows a raid on his Kerala residence conducted by the ED on 28 February.
The Ministry of Home Affairs banned the PFI and eight affiliated organizations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on 28 September 2022.
The decision followed a nationwide crackdown by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The operation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of alleged incriminating documents.
The government had accused PFI of radicalization and terror funding.
Since 2021, the ED has arrested 26 PFI members, including senior office bearers, and has filed nine charge sheets.
SDPI, which has been under scrutiny, also saw its offices raided during the 2022 crackdown.
The NIA previously arrested SDPI member Ghouse Nayazi in connection with the 2016 murder of RSS leader R Rudresh.
The agency has also linked SDPI members to the 2010 palm-chopping incident involving professor T J Joseph.
In October 2024, the ED reported that PFI had around 13,000 active members in Singapore and Gulf countries, including:
- Kuwait,
- Oman,
- Qatar,
- Saudi Arabia, and
- The UAE
Officials alleged that these members raised funds, transferring money to India through banking channels and illegal hawala networks.
The agency further claimed that PFI engaged in ‘violent’ protests designed to incite unrest, including mock funerals, air raids, and acts of civil disobedience.
Investigations also pointed to alleged plans to create societal disruption through unconventional protest methods such as guerrilla theater and alternative communication networks.
Additionally, ED alleged that PFI employed strategies like civil disobedience, parallel governance, and exposing secret agents to undermine national unity.
In support of its claims, the agency has attached PFI assets worth over Rs 56 crore.
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