NIA to investigate SDPI over anti-national activities, association with Popular Front

KOCHI: Following the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case and raid, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may investigate the activities of SDPI. This is based on information that the political party SDPI has carried out activities similar to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

The investigation into SDPI may also be linked to the cases registered against PFI in Delhi and Kochi. In December 2020 and subsequent raids at various centers, documents were seized that revealed the relationship between PFI and SDPI. It was also found that PFI played a role in the day-to-day activities of SDPI.

The NIA will take a decision after taking legal advice on whether the anti-national and terrorist activities that led to the banning of PFI can also be charged against the SDPI leaders. The central unit in Delhi, which registered a case against PFI and arrested the leaders, will be given the responsibility of the investigation. Meanwhile, SDPI national president MK Faizy was arrested in Delhi.

An Islamic movement

The documents seized by the ED from the PFI office in Kozhikode describe the SDPI as an Islamic movement in every sense. The goal is "jihad that involves physical, legal and ideological resistance." The party and its affiliated organizations are the means to achieve the goal. The document also states that although it is called a social movement, the organization is Islamic.

The ED has found that the money collected by PFI, including from abroad, has also been received by SDPI leaders. The ED has found that PFI has transferred Rs 4.07 crore to SDPI for dubious purposes.