NIA Crackdown on Banned Terror Group PLFI: Two Arrested, Arms Seized

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two individuals in a large-scale crackdown on the banned People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) in Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi on Friday. “During the raids, we arrested Raman Kumar Sonu, also known as Sonu Pandit, from Bihar, and Nivesh Kumar from the South-West district,” said an NIA spokesperson. The raids resulted in the seizure of an Indian Army uniform, weapons, ammunition, incriminating documents, electronic devices, Rs 3 lakh in cash, and jewelry at 23 locations, mostly in Jharkhand, related to extortion and levy collection by the terrorist group.

The individuals targeted during the crackdown were all members and supporters of PLFI, a banned terrorist organization, according to an official. They were part of a conspiracy to carry out violent acts and commit terrorist activities. Of the raided locations, 19 were in Jharkhand (Gumla, Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Palamu, and West Singhbhum districts), two in New Delhi, and one each in Patna, Bihar, and Siddhi, Madhya Pradesh, the spokesperson added.

The NIA stated that the arrested individuals were named in a case registered this year. “The NIA registered the case suo motu on October 11 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after receiving information about the financing of terrorist activities through extortion by PLFI cadres,” the spokesperson explained.

According to the NIA, investigations have revealed that members of the banned organization were involved in generating funds through extortion from coal traders, transporters, railway contractors, and businessmen in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. They were also planning various terrorist activities, including attacks on security forces, murder, and arson, the spokesperson added.