ED Raids On Premises Of Radical Islamist Outfit PFI In Kerala As Part Of Money Laundering Probe Linked To Role In Fuelling Anti-CAA Riots

New Delhi, Dec 8 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday raided at least four premises in Kerala linked to the Popular Front of India (PFI) as part of a money-laundering investigation against it, officials said.

The searches were carried out in Ernakulam and a few other locations. Central paramilitary personnel escorted the ED teams during the raids.

Sources said that 'incriminating documents' were recovered by the agency as part of its probe that is related to various instances of funding of the Islamic organisation.  Some people also gathered outside the premises that were being raided and raised slogans, they said.

PFI general secretary Anis Ahmed, in a video message, claimed the action was aimed at 'harassing' them and the organisation will fight this suing 'legal and democratic means'.

Meanwhile, the Kerala police said they have registered a case against some PFI activists for allegedly trying to create trouble during the ED raids at the residence of a leader of the outfit in Muvattupuzha.

Earlier also the agency had carried out similar raids against the PFI, which was formed in 2006 in Kerala and is headquartered in Delhi.

The central probe agency has been investigating the PFI's alleged 'financial links' on charges of fuelling the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests in the country, the Delhi riots that took place in February last year and a few other instances.