The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested Moidheenkutty (52), an absconding leader of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), at Nedumbassery International Airport in Kochi.
According to NIA officials, Moidheenkutty, a resident of Malappuram, had been on the run for four years. The NIA had earlier announced a reward of ₹7 lakh for information leading to his arrest. Acting on specific inputs, sleuths of the central agency intercepted him at the airport while he was allegedly attempting to re-enter the country discreetly from abroad. He was taken into custody after verification of his identity documents.
Investigators said Moidheenkutty headed the physical training wing of the PFI and was involved in training cadres in the use of weapons and planning attacks. The NIA has alleged that he played a key role in organising secret armed training camps and conspiracy meetings in various parts of Kerala.
A case was registered against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on charges of acting against the sovereignty and integrity of the country and promoting extremist ideologies among youth. The arrest is being seen as a significant development in the broader crackdown launched after the Centre banned the PFI in 2022.
Following his arrest, the accused was produced before the jurisdictional court. The NIA is expected to seek custodial interrogation to gather further information regarding the alleged training network, coordination among accused persons, and possible financial or logistical support mechanisms.
Officials said sustained surveillance and inter-state coordination were instrumental in tracing the absconding leader. The agency is currently probing multiple cases related to alleged radicalisation, recruitment and arms training activities across several states.
In late January, the NIA had conducted coordinated early-morning raids across multiple districts in Kerala as part of its investigation into suspected attempts to revive the banned organisation and alleged financial support for extremist activities. The searches targeted residences and offices linked to former office-bearers of the PFI and its political wing, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).
The action followed intelligence inputs suggesting that funds were being mobilised clandestinely to sustain banned activities and facilitate extremist operations. Officials indicated that further disclosures may emerge as the investigation progresses.
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