New Delhi: India’s National Investigation Agency has told a Delhi court that the banned Popular Front of India had allegedly planned to take control of parts of south India if a war broke out between India and Pakistan.
According to the agency, this claim emerged from statements given by a protected witness during the ongoing conspiracy case against leaders of the organisation. The witness told the court that PFI members were taught in internal study classes that the Indian Army would be heavily engaged on the northern borders during a possible war with Pakistan. The plan, as described in the testimony, was to use such a situation to launch coordinated actions in southern states.
The National Investigation Agency said these teachings were part of a broader effort to radicalise members and prepare them for violent action. The agency described Popular Front of India as a serious threat to the unity and integrity of the country, alleging that the group promoted hatred between communities and encouraged extremist ideology.
Investigators also told the court that their probe uncovered material allegedly linked to violent activities, including weapons training, bomb making content, communication equipment and videos linked to extremist groups. The NIA claimed that the organisation aimed to establish an extremist system of governance by spreading fear and unrest.
Popular Front of India was banned by the central government in 2022 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The ban followed multiple raids across several states and the arrest of senior leaders on charges related to terrorism funding, conspiracy and radicalisation.
The case is still under trial, and the allegations made by the NIA will be examined by the court based on evidence and legal arguments. PFI leaders have denied wrongdoing in earlier hearings, while the agency maintains that the group functioned as a well organised network with long term violent goals.
The court is expected to continue hearing arguments in the coming days as the investigation agency presses for stringent action against the accused.