New Delhi, June 5: A special NIA court at Patiala House in Delhi has framed serious charges against OMA Salam, the chairman of the banned organization Popular Front of India (PFI), and 20 other accused individuals.
The court has charged them with criminal conspiracy, preparation for waging war against the country, and various terrorism-related offenses under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to the NIA, the accused are alleged to have engaged in activities such as raising funds for terrorism, plotting terrorist acts, organizing training camps, and recruiting individuals for such operations. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for July 10, when all accused will be presented in court.
Notably, in September 2022, the NIA conducted large-scale operations across different parts of the country, leading to the arrest of these individuals. The investigative agency claims that top officials of PFI were involved in managing the organization’s activities and allegedly advancing anti-national plans.
During the hearing, the court stated that the evidence on record raises serious prima facie doubts that the accused were involved in a conspiracy to dismantle India’s secular democratic framework through PFI and its National Executive Council (NEC), aiming to establish an Islamic caliphate under Sharia law by 2047 or earlier. The court indicated that this objective was part of a plan to achieve armed struggle against the state.
The court also noted that the ‘Vision 2047’ document was linked to PFI. Allegations of institutional decisions targeting Hindu leaders and supporting the ISIS terrorist organization active in Iraq and Syria were reportedly made during meetings of PFI’s National Executive Council.
The court clarified that these actions do not appear to be the private activities of individuals but rather part of a broader agenda directed by the organization’s top leadership. The case will proceed with the next hearing on July 10.
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