Six members of the banned terror group People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) have each received a ten-year rigorous imprisonment from a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Ranchi, Jharkhand. This verdict, issued on Friday, marks a significant blow to the outfit’s illicit activities in the region, particularly in areas like terror financing, arms procurement, and extortion schemes that have impacted central India. The convicted individuals, including Gulab Kumar Yadav, Ravi Yadav, and others, were found guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and related acts.
The NIA Special Court’s decision, made last week, was followed by the imposition of the ten-year sentence on Friday. Investigations revealed the active involvement of these individuals in PLFI, a faction known for engaging in militant operations, collecting levies, recruiting members, and supporting various criminal and terror-related endeavors. Notably, Santosh Yadav, identified as a sub-zonal commander, played a pivotal role in recruitment and operational direction for sustaining extortion and terror networks.
Suresh Yadav, on the other hand, served as an overground worker and logistics provider, facilitating the channeling of illegal arms and ammunition to bolster the group’s militant actions. The NIA’s inquiry exposed that the accused received weapons through PLFI’s supply chains and partook in violent activities aimed at instilling fear and raising funds. The case originated in December 2018 when Jharkhand Police, acting on specific intelligence, conducted a search operation leading to the arrest of four accused individuals and the recovery of weapons and communication devices.
The NIA took over the investigation in June 2019 and filed a charge sheet in February 2020 against all six individuals. Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence showcasing the organized terror, arms procurement, and extortion network operated by PLFI through these operatives. This conviction underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle Left-wing extremist groups exploiting remote areas for illicit activities. Despite being smaller than other outfits like CPI (Maoist), PLFI has remained active in parts of Jharkhand, targeting civilians and government projects for levies.
Authorities anticipate that the sentencing will diminish the group’s operational capacities in specific districts, contributing to enhanced security in the region.
