UP ATS crackdown in the state in connection with banned outfit PFI, two arrested, 70 detained

New Delhi, May 8

The Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorism Squad have launched a statewide crackdown on the Popular Front of India (PFI) and arrested two men and detained 70 people

The arrested persons have been identified as Parvez Ahmad and Raees Ahmad. The ATS has also detained a Lucknow-based activist and lawyer, for questioning.

Activist-lawyer Mohammad Shoaib (75), the founder of Rihai Manch that provides legal assistance to those accused in terror cases, was taken in custody “for questioning” from Aminabad area on He was later released by late evening. 

Shoaib has been on the radar of police several times in past during the anti CAA protests and other cases for his alleged links and support to proscribed terror outfits. 

The UP ATS stated that a total of 211 people, who were in the past associated with the PFI, have been identified in the state. The force started a campaign was started on May 6 to take action against the suspects.

The action was taken by field units of ATS in Noida, Saharanpur, Meerut, Moradabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bahraich, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Azamgarh. Of the 211 people identified, 70 have been brought to their respective police station for questioning.

In 20 districts across the state, the highest number of people were detained for questioning in Shamli (11) followed by Ghaziabad (10), Lucknow (9), and Varanasi (8).

The police added that the raids are a part of 'regular action” against the PFI and its members as the outfit promotes fanaticism among a certain section of society involved in anti-national activities.

In September last year, the central government had announced a ban on the outfit followed by a nationwide crackdown on the organisation.