India

NIA Raids 20 Locations In Tamil Nadu Targeting PFI And HUT Networks

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted extensive raids in Tamil Nadu’s Mayiladuthurai and Chennai on Tuesday. The operation began at 3:30 a.m. and covered 20 locations, with 15 in Mayiladuthurai and five in Chennai. Teams from Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu joined the operation, with assistance from the Tamil Nadu Police.

The raids focused on areas linked to the banned Islamic fundamentalist organisation Popular Front of India (PFI). The Central government banned the PFI in 2022, citing its involvement in anti-national activities. The latest raids are connected to the investigation into the 2019 murder of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Ramalingam in Thanjavur. Ramalingam was allegedly killed by PFI members on February 5, 2019, for opposing forced religious conversions among underprivileged communities.

The NIA had earlier filed a charge sheet against 18 individuals in this case. In past operations, the agency has targeted PFI networks in Tamil Nadu, including Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Madurai, and other districts, focusing on dismantling the organisation’s remnants.

The operation also relates to the NIA’s investigation into Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), a banned terror organisation seeking to establish an Islamic state governed by its founder Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani’s constitution. The NIA took over the HUT case from Tamil Nadu Police, who had arrested six individuals in August 2024 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

In a major breakthrough, the NIA arrested HUT activist Aziz Ahamed, also known as Jaleel Aziz Ahmed, on August 31, 2024, at Bengaluru International Airport. Aziz attempted to flee the country but was apprehended based on intelligence inputs. Earlier arrests included Hameed Hussain, an engineering graduate described as the mastermind behind HUT’s recruitment efforts. Hussain actively shared videos promoting an Islamic Caliphate on social media, while criticising democratic systems.

Continued Investigation Into Radical Networks

Authorities revealed that HUT used social media platforms to radicalise youth and recruit members. Investigations uncovered attempts to undermine national security through these recruitment efforts. Earlier operations in Chennai, Kanyakumari, and Pudukottai in September 2024 also targeted HUT networks.

The NIA remains committed to dismantling these networks. The agency focuses on preventing radicalisation and safeguarding national security through ongoing investigations and coordinated efforts with local police.

Also Read: Centre Sends Expert Team To Address Rising Guillain Barre Syndrome Cases In Pune

Ajaypal Choudhary

Recent Posts

ITC’s Non-Cigarette FMCG Business Sees ₹34,000 Crore Consumer Spend In FY25

Consumers spent over ₹34,000 crore on ITC’s non-cigarette fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products in the…

11 mins ago

Montana Delegation Praises ‘Magical’ Experience During Study Visit To India

A ten-member delegation from the US state of Montana, comprising seven high school students and…

21 mins ago

India Poised To Outpace G7 Peers, Says PHDCCI Study On G7‑India Collaboration

India will continue to expand faster than any G7 economy over the rest of this…

54 mins ago

Morgan Stanley Maintains Bullish Outlook On Indian Equities For Q3 FY26

Global brokerage firm Morgan Stanley has expressed continued optimism about Indian equity markets heading into…

1 hour ago

Karimnagar’s 6-Year-Old Kid Crafts PM Modi’s Portrait With Rubik’s Cubes

In a remarkable display of creativity, six-year-old kid, a resident of Karimnagar, captured national attention…

1 hour ago

Corporate India Reports 7.2% Sales Growth In FY25, RBI Data Shows

Corporate India saw a sales growth of 7.2% in FY25, up from 4.7% the previous…

1 hour ago