Secret operation monitored by Ajit Doval, more than 150 Popular Front activists in NIA custody, 45 arrested, more arrests from Kerala

NEW DELHI: In the countrywide raids against Popular Front, 45 people have been arrested. More than 150 people have been taken into custody in the joint raid conducted by NIA and Enforcement Directorate. Of this, the arrest of 45 people have been recorded. The arrested persons include eleven from Tamil Nadu, seven from Karnataka, four from Andhra Pradesh and two from Rajasthan. The arrest was made in a case registered in Delhi on the complaint of making moves against the country.

Some of the arrested people have been taken to Delhi. 14 persons including OMA Salam, Jaseer KP, Nasruddin Elamram, Muhammed Basheer, Shafeer KP, P Abubakkar, P Koya and EM Abdul Rahman have been taken to Delhi. Two of them were taken via Kochi and 12 via Karipur.

The secret operation started at 1 am. The NIA and ED officials reached the houses and offices of Popular Front leaders after ensuring security of central forces. Six control rooms were set up in different areas to monitor the raid. More than 1500 officials took part in the raid. According to sources, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval directly monitored this operation.

Popular Front responded that the arrest was politically motivated. They have announced a hartal tomorrow against the raid and arrest.