NIA raids in Bihar In a major development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested at least two members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) in a case related to a conspiracy by the banned group to carry out targeted killings in Bihar.
According to a statement issued by the NIA spokesperson on Sunday, it arrested Tanveer Raza alias “Barkati” and Mohd Abid alias “Aryan”, both residents of Bahadurpur village in Motihari. The arrests were made in a series of raids at eight different places in the state.
According to the probe agency, the duo arranged arms and ammunition to carry out targeted killings in several areas of the state. “With these arrests, the PFI module plotting targeted killings and disturbing communal harmony has been busted,” the spokesperson said.
It clearly mentioned that at least four people were arrested earlier in the case and added several incriminating articles and documents related to PFI that were seized from their possession.
PFI members posted objectionable videos on social media
According to the NIA, the case was registered at the Phulwarisharif police station in Patna on July 12 last year and was re-registered by the NIA after a few days. “The raids and arrests were made in connection with the matter which pertains to the involvement of PFI and its leaders and cadres in violent and illegal activities… (They) had assembled in Phulwarisharif area of Patna for this purpose.
“Reiki had already been done to engage the target. The arms and ammunition were handed over to PFI trainer Yakub, who was conducting training sessions for PFI cadres,” the spokesperson said.
He said that Yakub had posted a derogatory and inflammatory video on Facebook which was aimed at disturbing peace and communal harmony. “The post was trolled and derogatory by other Facebook users. Yakub and the two arrested accused had identified some of them and conspired to execute the murder of the targeted persons,” the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said Yakub is absconding and efforts are on to arrest him.
Also read: NIA files charge sheet in ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ case for radicalizing youth on social media