Maharashtra: NIA conducts raids linked to PFI including Mumbai residence of 7/11 train blast case acquitted man

NIA agency (L) Screengrab from the video of Abdul Wahid Shaikh (R)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting multiple raids in connection with the banned organisation Popular Front of India (PFI).

According to sources, one of the raids is underway at the residence of school teacher Abdul Wahid Shaikh, who was acquitted in the 7/11 train blast case in 2015 after spending 9 years in prison. The 7/11 train blast occurred in 2006, claiming the lives of 206 people and injuring over 700.

Since his acquittal, Shaikh has authored several books, including one titled "Innocent Prisoners."

The NIA alleges that he has established a new group known as the "Innocent Network," and the agency suspects that this group may have connections with the PFI.

Additionally, sources report that NIA raids are taking place in Bhiwandi, Mumbra, and other locations in Maharashtra, and several individuals have been detained by the NIA.

Shaikh has lodged an online complaint with the Mumbai Commissioner's Office concerning an NIA raid conducted at his residence early in the morning.

In his complaint, Shaikh described how a group of unidentified individuals arrived at his house around 5:00 am. They knocked on his door, and when he refused to open it, they forcibly broke down the main door and vandalised the CCTV camera inside his house. They neither revealed their identities nor provided any prior notice, and they also issued threats.

According to him, he dialed the emergency number 100, and although local police responded, they did not take immediate action.

Simultaneously, NIA officials were attempting to breach his second door.

Wahid Sheikh, presently works as a social activist and runs the organisation "Innocent Network."

According to NIA officials, the agency is conducting raids across six states in connection with the PFI-related case RC 31/2022/NIA/DLI.