NIA Conducts Raids in Kerala Over PFI Revival, Funding Links

January 28, 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched coordinated raids across Kerala as part of a probe into suspected efforts to revive the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and alleged funding activities tied to it. The action aims to uncover evidence related to attempts by PFI operatives to regroup and secure financial support after the organization’s ban.

Background on the Banned Popular Front of India

The Popular Front of India, an organization previously accused of involvement in unlawful activities and alleged terror‑funding, was banned by the Government of India in September 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing threats to national security and public order. The NIA and other central agencies have repeatedly conducted enforcement actions against its leaders and affiliated groups since then.

Over the years, NIA raids on locations linked to PFI in Kerala have led to seizures, arrests and probes into alleged funding channels and conspiracies involving the banned outfit’s leaders and members.

Scope of the Current Operations

While detailed official updates are still emerging, the current raids are understood to involve multiple locations across districts in Kerala, with investigators examining documents, financial records, electronic devices, and other material that could reveal evidence of PFI’s alleged attempts at revival and continuing financial support networks.

Kerala has historically been a focal point for PFI’s activities, and enforcement actions by the NIA in the state have periodically targeted former leaders, training centers, and suspected funding conduits.

Enforcement and Legal Context

The NIA’s Kerala operations align with earlier actions that saw raids at dozens of locations linked to PFI cabins and members in the state as part of larger probes into terror and unlawful activity financing. These probes have occasionally been coordinated with other agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and state police.

The authorities aim to build strong evidence on any criminal conspiracy, terror‑funding links, or unlawful reunion efforts by banned outfits’ affiliates to ensure compliance with UAPA and related national security laws.