A Delhi court has directed the framing of charges against former Popular Front of India (PFI) Chairman E. Abubacker and other office-bearers of the banned group. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) case accuses them of plotting to overthrow the Indian government and establish an Islamic Caliphate by 2047 through violent means. The court dismissed discharge pleas from the accused, citing substantial evidence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The NIA FIR from April 2022 alleges that the accused, through the PFI and its National Executive Council (NEC), planned to set up an Islamic Caliphate in India under Sharia law by waging armed resistance against the State. The court clarified that during the charge-framing stage, it does not determine guilt but assesses if there is a serious suspicion against the accused. It emphasized that UAPA offenses like fundraising, conspiracy, arms training, and recruitment for terrorism do not necessitate the completion of a terrorist act.
The court also rejected claims that no terrorist acts had occurred, stating that the credibility of protected witnesses would be evaluated during the trial. It highlighted the prosecution’s contentions against the PFI, mentioning allegations of recruiting and radicalizing Muslim youth, organizing weapons training camps, raising funds through various means, and attempting to acquire firearms. The case involves establishing an Islamic Caliphate by 2047 and includes accusations of recruitment, radicalization, weapons training, funding, and ISIS support by some of the accused.
In Abubacker’s case, the court referenced statements from protected witnesses and documentary evidence provided by the NIA, including allegations related to recruitment, weapons training, and organizational expansion. The court found substantial evidence to suggest Abubacker’s involvement and ordered charges under specific sections of the UAPA and IPC. Charges were also directed against other PFI officials under various legal provisions.
