The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Moitheenkutty, a Malappuram resident who had been evading authorities for about four years. He is a key suspect in a case related to alleged arms training camps associated with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). Moitheenkutty was captured at Nedumbassery airport near Kochi after being on the run since 2022.
Investigators revealed that Moitheenkutty’s arrest was a result of diligent tracking by a specialized team following intelligence inputs from various states. A reward of Rs 7 lakh had been offered for credible information leading to his capture, indicating the significance of his involvement in the case.
The accused was intercepted at the airport while allegedly trying to leave the country. This arrest is a breakthrough in the investigation, part of a broader crackdown on extremist activities post the PFI ban in 2022. Moitheenkutty has been presented before the court and remanded in custody for further proceedings.
The NIA plans to request custodial interrogation to delve deeper into the alleged training network, the level of coordination among suspects, and potential financial or logistical support systems. The agency is actively pursuing cases related to radicalization, recruitment, and arms training in multiple states.
Ongoing investigations are expected to unveil more details as questioning progresses. Security agencies emphasize the importance of sustained surveillance and inter-state cooperation in tracing absconding suspects. Recent raids in Kerala targeted former PFI office-bearers and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) over suspected efforts to revive banned activities and fund extremist operations.
