Enforcement Directorate Seizes Properties Linked to Popular Front of India
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken control of 19 properties worth Rs 35.43 crore linked to the Popular Front of India (PFI). These properties were held under various names and were seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. This action follows a previous seizure of 16 properties valued at Rs 21.13 crore, bringing the total to 35 properties worth Rs 56.56 crore.
The ED began investigating PFI based on multiple FIRs from the National Investigation Agency and other law enforcement bodies. The investigation revealed that PFI members were raising funds in India and abroad through illegal means to finance terrorist activities. These funds, amounting to Rs 94 crore, were deposited in 29 bank accounts across several Indian states.
So far, 26 PFI members have been arrested, and nine prosecution complaints have been filed. The ED’s findings indicate that PFI has over 13,000 active members in countries like Singapore and the Gulf, where they collected funds through District Executive Committees.
The ED claims that PFI’s real objectives differ from its stated goals, aiming to create an Islamic movement in India through Jihad. The agency also alleges that PFI conducts arms training under the guise of Physical Education classes, as seen in the 2013 Narath Arms Camp case.
Doubts Revealed
Enforcement Directorate -: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a government agency in India that investigates financial crimes like money laundering and foreign exchange violations.
Seizes -: When the ED ‘seizes’ properties, it means they take control of them because they believe the properties were bought with money obtained through illegal activities.
Popular Front of India -: The Popular Front of India (PFI) is an organization in India that has been accused of being involved in illegal activities, including raising money for terrorist activities.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act -: This is a law in India that helps the government track and stop money laundering, which is when people try to hide money made from illegal activities.
FIR -: FIR stands for First Information Report. It is a document prepared by the police when they receive information about a crime.
Islamic movement -: An Islamic movement refers to efforts aimed at promoting Islamic values and practices. In this context, it is alleged that PFI aims to create such a movement in India.
Jihad -: Jihad is an Arabic word that means ‘struggle’ or ‘striving’. It can refer to a personal spiritual struggle or, in some cases, a physical struggle, which some groups interpret as armed conflict.
