NIA Exposes PFI ‘Hit List' Of 977 Names; Judges, Activists Were Targets

News18

2 days ago

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The investigation revealed that the hit lists contained details of specific individuals who were identified as targets, including a former district judge from Kerala
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered explosive details about a widespread conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by the Popular Front of India (PFI). According to a submission made by the agency in a court, PFI had prepared 'hit lists" targeting a total of 977 individuals in Kerala, including judges, activists, and political workers.
The information was presented in the NIA Special Court as the agency objected to the bail plea of two accused—Muhammad Bilal and Riyasudheen—who are facing charges in the Palakkad Sreenivasan murder case. The agency submitted that multiple hit lists had been recovered, which pointed to the alarming scale of the conspiracy.
The NIA claimed that Sirajudheen, a member of PFI's so-called 'Reporter Wing", had a hit list with the names of 240 people. These lists included names of prominent individuals across various sectors, posing a grave threat to public safety.
Detailed Targeting
The investigation revealed that the hit lists contained details of specific individuals who were identified as targets, including a former district judge from Kerala. One of the lists was seized from the wallet of Abdul Wahab, another accused in the case. This hit list contained details of at least five individuals, marking them for targeted actions.
The NIA's investigation unveiled another hit list of 500 people discovered during a house search of absconding accused Ayoob TA, who is currently on the run. The breadth of the lists spans various sectors, with a significant number of individuals involved in legal, political, and activist circles.
The 'Reporter Wing' of the PFI, as revealed by the NIA, played a crucial role in collecting intelligence on potential targets. This covert arm of the organisation allegedly gathered detailed personal information about these individuals, which was then compiled into the hit lists. These revelations have raised concerns over the scale and reach of the group's activities within Kerala.
In addition to the hit lists, the NIA also uncovered documents linking PFI to illegal activities, including arms training in Aluva's Periyar Valley campus. The NIA claims that this site served as a training center for armed militants affiliated with PFI, and it has been attached under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) as proceeds of terrorism.
Charges Fabricated, Say Petitioners
The contention of the petitioners was that the allegations against them were fabricated and they are innocent. 'They have been in custody for over three years and the investigation is complete. They are law-abiding citizens and they are ready to abide the conditions that may be imposed by this court and will cooperate with further investigation," the court was told.
Court Rejects Bail Plea
During proceedings, the NIA argued that the allegations against the accused were of a grave nature, asserting that the hit lists, which identified high-profile targets, were part of a larger, well-coordinated plan to destabilise the region.
NIA Special Court Judge PK Mohandas, after considering the gravity of the case, denied bail to the accused, Muhammad Bilal and Riyasudheen. In his ruling, Judge Mohandas noted that there were reasonable grounds to believe the accusations against the petitioners were prima facie true. He further emphasised that the case was ripe for trial, with the final report already filed and the seriousness of the charges indicating that the accused would pose a significant risk if granted bail.
First Published:
June 25, 2025, 12:02 IST