Bihar PFI Leader Arrested By NIA For Role In 2022 Phulwarisharif Terror Conspiracy

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Mahboob Alam, the Bihar state president of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), in connection with the 2022 Phulwarisharif terror conspiracy case. Alam, also known as Mahboob Alam Nadvi, hails from the Hasanganj area in Katihar district and was taken into custody on Saturday in Kishanganj.

According to officials, Alam is the 19th accused to be arrested and charge-sheeted in the case, which was originally filed by local police against 26 individuals.

What is the case?

The Phulwarisharif case pertains to PFI members allegedly engaging in unlawful and anti-national activities designed to instill fear, spread religious enmity, and disturb public harmony. Investigators said the activities aimed to disrupt peace, create disaffection against India, and justify the use of criminal force.

The NIA stated that PFI operatives were promoting their ideology to instill fear among people, with the ultimate goal of establishing Islamic rule in India. This objective was outlined in a seized internal vision document titled "India 2047: Towards Rule of Islam in India, Internal Document: Not for Circulation."

Alam's role in the conspiracy

The agency said Mahboob Alam was directly linked to the PFI conspiracy mentioned in the seized document, which was recovered from Ahmad Palace in Phulwarisharif, Patna, on July 11, 2022.

Investigations revealed that Alam, along with co-accused members, was involved in recruitment, training sessions, and meetings linked to the organisation's anti-national agenda. He also raised funds and provided financial support to PFI cadres and co-conspirators, according to the NIA.