SOURCE: AFI
In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Riyaz Maroof, also known as Bablu, the State Secretary of the banned organization Popular Front of India (PFI). This arrest comes following a prolonged manhunt for Riyaz Maroof, who had been evading law enforcement authorities. The operation resulted in his capture in the town of Motihari, Bihar.
Riyaz Maroof’s arrest unfolded in the vicinity of Subhash Chowk in Chakia, as confirmed by Kantesh Kumar Mishra, Superintendent of Police for East Champaran. Following his apprehension, authorities promptly moved him to an undisclosed location for further questioning and interrogation.
The arrest of Riyaz Maroof stems from his association with the banned PFI and his alleged involvement in the Phulwari terror model case. His name had surfaced during the course of the investigation, prompting probing agencies, including the NIA, to closely monitor his activities.
This arrest follows the recent detention of another individual, Shahid Raza, by the NIA in Bihar. Shahid Raza’s apprehension was linked to a case involving the PFI’s conspiracy to disrupt peace and communal harmony in the country. The NIA had acted on information provided by Mohammad Yakub Khan, also known as Sultan, during his interrogation.
During the operation involving Shahid Raza, authorities also discovered a cache of items, including a pistol, ammunition, a sword, and two knives at his residence.
It is noteworthy that several PFI members have faced arrest in Bihar in recent times. Riyaz Maroof’s apprehension is a part of this ongoing crackdown on the organization and its affiliates.