Mumbai: Nationwide NIA Raids Target PFI-Linked Locations, Including The House Of Abdul Wahid Sheikh

Mumbai, 11th October 2023: In a sweeping operation today, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted major raids across six states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. These synchronised raids targeted locations associated with the controversial organisation, the Popular Front of India (PFI). The raids also extended to the residence of Abdul Wahid Sheikh, a previously accused in the 2006 Mumbai 7/11 Railway Bomb Blast case.

Abdul Wahid Sheikh was first apprehended by police regarding his alleged involvement in the infamous 7/11 Railway Bomb Blast case. However, subsequent legal proceedings resulted in his acquittal of all charges. Despite his earlier connection with PFI, he has since lived in Vikhroli along with his wife and two daughters. Having pursued studies in law, he is currently working as a teacher in Vikhroli.

The latest operation unfolded at the break of dawn when the NIA team arrived at Abdul Sheikh’s residence located at Vikhroli Park Site, Maharashtra. Sheikh initially refused to open his door, insisting on showing a proper notice. Consequently, a standoff ensued, with the NIA team and local police stationed outside the premises. Eventually, the NIA team swooped into his house.

At that time, the situation outside Abdul Sheikh’s residence was temporarily marked by a heated exchange between his lawyer, Ibrahim Harbut, and the police, with Harbut asserting a lack of proper documentation.

Along with Sheikh’s house in Vikhroli, the NIA also conducted raids in different states, including Rajasthan’s Tonk, Kota, and Gangapur, as well as Hauz Qazi in Delhi’s Balimaran, in connection with PFI activities in these places.

The timing of this operation coincides with the ban imposed on the Popular Front of India by the central government in September 2022, citing allegations of engaging in terrorist activities. The subsequent acquittal of Abdul Wahid Sheikh in 2015, followed by his peaceful pursuit of a career in teaching, has raised eyebrows of many and also raised questions surrounding NIA’s operation.