NIA investigates TN outfit over ‘links with IS’

NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an investigation against members of Tamil Nadubased organisation Manitha Neethi Pasarai (MNP), which merged with Popular Front of India (PFI) in 2006, for allegedly” trying to float “anti-national organisations and having links with Islamic State (IS).

The anti-terror probe agency’s move came on the directions of the Centre after one Sathik Batcha, a resident of Needur in Tamil Nadu, and four of his associates were arrested in February this year, officials familiar with the matter said.

Batcha, also known as Saddiq Basha, is a covert sympathiser of the IS ideology and was allegedly actively involved in various antinational activities. He and his associates – Mohammed Ashiq, Mohammad Irfan, Jagabar Ali and Rahmath, all from Tamil Nadu, were travelling in a vehicle along Needur main road on

February 21 when they were stopped by police. Basha, who was carrying an air pistol, threatened to shoot but was eventually overpowered and arrested along with his aides, the officials added.

While the five people were initially booked under the Arms Act and for criminal intimidation and rioting, they were later charged under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

During the course of investigation, it was learnt that Basha and his associates were in the process of forming anti-national organisations, namely ‘Khilafah Party of India’, ‘Khilafah Front of India’, ‘Student Party of India’ and ‘Intellectual Students of India (ISI)’ with an aim to further the activities of the IS in India, one of the officials cited above said on condition of anonymity.

The agency will question the accused about their association with PFI members, a second officer said on condition of anonymity. HT reached out to PFI for a comment on the matter but did not get one immediately.