ED searches 26 locations across India linked to PFI

According to an IANS report,the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out searches at over 26 locations across the country in connection with the probe into the PFI fundings.

An ED source told, "Searches are being conducted in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar," says the report.

In Delhi, the searches are taking place in south east Delhi's Shaheen Bagh and Jamia area,according to the report.

Earlier,ED on Thursday raided the premises of Popular Front of India (PFI) national chairman O M Abdul Salam in Kerala. Searches were also held at the properties of PFI secretary Nasarudheen Elamaram at Malappuram, on Thursday morning.

"The action is being carried out under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)," said sources according to a report by PTI.

"The searches are being conducted in Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram districts of the state," they said, says the report.

Another team of the ED officials began a search at the house of another top PFI leader Ashraf Moulavi in the state capital.

The searches were conducted after a complaint was given to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister that the PFI was funding 'undesirable' activities in the country.

Some more premises linked to Popular Front of India (PFI) are understood to have been searched but there was no confirmation, says a PTI report

The central probe agency is investigating PFI's links on charges of allegedly fuelling anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests in the country and other instances.

It had earlier recorded the statement of Salam, a senior assistant in the Kerala State Electricity Board.

The PFI was formed in 2006 in Kerala as a successor to the National Democratic Front (NDF). PFI and Salam have denied any wrongdoing in these instances in the past.

(With inputs from agencies)