Maharashtra ATS arrests 4 PFI activists from Panvel

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra Police has arrested four members of the banned outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) from Panvel in Raigad district adjoining Mumbai. Despite the ban, all of them were conducting the activities of the organization.

According to the ATS, those arrested include the Panvel secretary of the banned outfit and two other activists. They were meeting in Panvel. He was arrested around 4 am today. Panvel is about 50 kms from Mumbai. After interrogation, the four were arrested under Section 10 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a case registered at the Kala Chowki unit of ATS in Mumbai. ATS is probing the matter further.

The central government last month banned the PFI and several of its affiliates for five years, accusing them of having links with global terror groups like ISIS. Last month, over 250 people allegedly linked to the PFI were arrested in raids in several states last month.