Kerala-based PFI spread the rogue NE SMSs?

New Delhi, Aug 21: Cyber sleuths are probing hard to find those responsible for spreading malicious content that led to fear and panic among those from the North East forcing them to rush back to their states in a mobbed frenzy. Reports in certain media channels suggest that some radical groups might have engaged in spreading rumours like the Popular Front of India (

) in Kerala and Bangladesh-based Harkat-ul-Jehad al Islami (

).

Initial reports suggest that North Easterners were bombarded with as many as 60 million SMSs that was sent on Aug 13 alone causing a panic among people in the region. Cyber experts, however, have not been able to nail those behind it since these provocative messages have been sent by hackers through third party servers. To avoid detection, they also bounce the SMSs through several countries.

In spite of this, experts have been able to identify the bulk messages being forwarded by HuJI and PFI activists. The messages, extremely threatening in nature, warns of retribution for the alleged atrocities committed on Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar entering Bangladesh. They are heavily supported by extremist elements and other Jihadi groups like HuJI.

The agencies are also probing the role of Hindu radical elements and the underworld in the spread of terrorism through such messages. The PFI has been in the news in recent times for spreading terror particularly in Kerala. They had grabbed the media limelight after allegedly chopping off the hand of a professor for alleged blasphemy.

The group has been going from strength to strength with the Karnataka Forum of Dignity, Manipur-based Lilong Social Forum, AP-based Association of Social Justice, TN-based Manitha Neethi Pasarai, Goa-based Citizen's Forum, Rajasthan-based Community Social and Education Society, WB-based Nagarik Adhikar Suraksha Samiti joining forces with the PFI.

Boasting of a cadre strength of as many as 80,000 radicals, the PFI has spread its wings in states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Manipur.

OneIndia News