In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has informed a Delhi court that the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) constituted the greatest threat to the nation's unity and integrity. The agency concluded its arguments on charges in a high-profile case concerning the PFI leadership on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
The Core Conspiracy: Radicalisation and Enmity
The case revolves around a conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by the PFI leadership with the twin objectives of radicalising Muslim youth and promoting enmity against the Hindu community. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Rahul Tyagi presented the agency's evidence before NIA Judge Prashant Sharma at the Patiala House Court.
Tyagi revealed chilling details from a protected witness, stating that PFI instructors taught in their classes that if India went to war with Pakistan, the focus would be on the northern border. Seizing this opportunity, the group planned to launch an attack from the south to 'capture Southern India'.
Evidence of Incitement and ISIS Links
The prosecutor detailed how the PFI allegedly incited hatred by spreading propaganda that Islam was in danger in India. The group was accused of identifying impressionable Muslim youth, radicalising them, and preparing them for participation in Jihad.
The NIA further claimed the PFI encouraged members to join the Islamic State (ISIS) and work towards establishing a Caliphate and Sharia law in India. Lectures were allegedly imparted to deepen the Hindu-Muslim divide, propagating a narrative that India's Islamic status declined after the fall of the Mughal empire.
Statements from protected witnesses, read out in court, indicated that PFI members discussed events like the Gujarat riots and the Babri Masjid demolition, often reminiscing about the 'golden days' of Islamic rule.
Financial Network and Recoveries
The agency outlined the PFI's financial mechanisms, stating that recruited members were asked to contribute a monthly sum termed 'Baitulmaal'—a levy historically associated with the First Caliph. Funds were allegedly used to motivate and facilitate members to travel to Syria to join ISIS and learn combat methods.
According to information from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), numerous recoveries have been made from PFI members over the years. These include:
- Documents on manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
- Material outlining plans to convert India into an Islamic state.
- Hand-held marine radio sets.
- Pen drives containing pro-ISIS videos.
- Ammunition and weapons.
The current case involves a total of 20 accused individuals along with the PFI as an organisation. A chargesheet was filed in March 2023, and the trial is set to commence once arguments on charges from both sides conclude. The next hearing will allow the accused to present their arguments on the charges.
Nationwide Crackdown and Ban
The PFI's activities have led to over 1,300 criminal cases across India. These cases are linked to serious offences, including the killing of leaders associated with Hindu organisations, organising suspected terror training camps, radicalising youth, and maintaining links with foreign terrorist entities like ISIS.
In a decisive move, the Ministry of Home Affairs banned the PFI and its associates in September 2022 through a gazette notification, declaring them unlawful. This was followed by massive, coordinated nationwide search, detention, and arrest operations conducted by the NIA and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The court's proceedings mark a critical phase in the legal battle against the organisation, with the NIA's arguments painting a picture of a systematic and dangerous conspiracy against the Indian state.
