India

ED Arrests SDPI Chief MK Faizy In Money Laundering Case

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.

Also Read: PM Modi Interacts With Gir Forest Staff; Takes Lion Safari On World Wildlife Day

Gopal Krishna

Recent Posts

Dr Rajeshwar Singh To Honour Forest Personnel At Environment Warriors 4.0

Dr Rajeshwar Singh has been actively promoting environmental conservation initiatives across his constituency. His participation…

11 mins ago

CM Yogi Inspects Ganga Expressway Progress; Highlights Technological Excellence

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the ongoing construction of the Ganga Expressway connecting Meerut to…

3 hours ago

Pahalgam Attack: Karnataka Minister Says Terrorists Did Not Ask Victims’ Religion

Karnataka Minister Timmapur on Pahalgam attack: Terrorists didn’t ask victims' religion before shooting, says they…

5 hours ago

Canada: Nine Die As Driver Rams Crowd At Lapu Lapu Filipino Festival

A black SUV rammed into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Filipino Festival in Vancouver,…

6 hours ago

Indian Navy Successfully Conducts Anti-Ship Missile Drills, Reaffirms Combat Readiness

This anti-ship firing drill re-validated the readiness of the platform, systems, and personnel for executing…

7 hours ago

From Apples To Saffron: PM Modi Celebrates India’s Agricultural Innovations

PM Modi praised India’s environmental achievements and the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative during…

7 hours ago