The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids on Wednesday, October 11, at the premises of the banned organisation, the Popular Front of India (PFI), across multiple states, news agency ANI reported.

The raids are being carried out in states, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, ANI quoted officials as saying. According to official sources, the raids have been underway at several locations in Maharashtra.

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The NIA team reached Abdul Wahid Shaikh’s Vikhroli residence in Mumbai early in the morning on Wednesday. Abdul Wahid Shaikh, who was acquitted in the 7/11 blast case, is suspected to be operating the organisation ‘Innocent Network,’ which is believed to have links with suspicious activities associated with the PFI.

Shaikh, who was held responsible for the 7/11 Mumbai train blasts of 2006, resulting in 209 casualties and injuring over 700, was acquitted of all charges in 2015 after spending nine years in jail.

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Additionally, the NIA along with local law enforcement agencies, launched raids in the Ballimaran area of Old Delhi, falling under the jurisdiction of the Hauz Qazi police station. The NIA team arrived in the area early on Wednesday morning.

In a previous instance in September, the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at the residences of former PFI workers in four districts of Kerala, including Thrissur, Ernakulam, Malappuram, and Wayanad.

In August, the NIA raided the houses of several PFI operatives in Malappuram. These operations targeted the residences of individuals such as Thayyil Hamza in Vengara, Kalathiparambil Yahuti in Tirur, Haneefa in Tanur, and Rangattur Padikkaparambil Jaffer, all of whom were associated with the banned PFI.

These searches came after the NIA, in early August, had attached the Green Valley Academy in Manjeri, one of the PFI’s largest and oldest arms and physical training centres.

(With ANI inputs)