A special NIA court in Delhi has ordered that charges be framed against 26 office-bearers of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), including its chairman OMA Salam. The court said charges should be recorded under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other provisions.
The case stems from nationwide searches conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2022 at premises linked to PFI, following allegations including terror funding and involvement in unlawful activities. The searches led to the arrest of more than 100 people, including Salam.
The Centre had banned PFI for five years in 2022 under UAPA after authorities said links with terror groups, including ISIS, were established. The matter is being tried before the NIA special court in Delhi.
Hearing the case, Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma said the material on record indicated PFI had pursued actions aimed at overthrowing India’s secular government through armed struggle and establishing an Islamic rule by 2047 or earlier. After reviewing the documents, the court said there was suspicion of a larger conspiracy against India involving the accused.
The court directed the NIA to frame charges on counts including recruitment for terrorist acts, collection of weapons and attempts to wage war against the government, and adjourned the proceedings to the 10th of next month.
