NIA questions two in Kishanganj over links with banned PFI

Patna: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday conducted a raid in Kishanganj and took two persons, Mahfuz Alam and Aftab, into custody for questioning their links with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).The two were earlier issued notices by the NIA to appear for questioning. After interrogation, Aftab was released, while Mahfuz was questioned until late evening and released. The NIA is investigating Mahfuz’s alleged links with the PFI and his involvement in the organisation’s activities.The case dates back to 2022, when a case was registered in Phulwarisharif against PFI members for allegedly plotting to carry out terrorist activities, providing arms training, and disturbing communal harmony.In Sept 2025, Mahboob Alam alias Mahboob Nadvi (39), a resident of the Hasanganj area of Katihar, was arrested near Haleem Chowk in Kishanganj. In the chargesheet filed regarding the 2022 Phulwarisharif criminal conspiracy case, he was named as the 19th accused.Police sources said Mahfuz’s name is being linked to the banned organisation PFI. It is said that he was an active member of the organisation. The NIA is questioning him from this angle about the level of his contact with the Phulwarisharif module and with whom his network was connected.However, no official statement has been issued by the NIA in this regard.According to information received, in 2022, the names of Mahfooz Alam, Mahboob Nadvi and Aftab surfaced in the PFI case registered in Phulwarisharif. However, in Sept 2025, the NIA questioned only Mahboob Nadvi.Initially, Bihar Police investigated; later, it was handed over to the NIA. The investigation revealed that PFI members were conspiring to carry out terrorist activities, provide weapons training and disturb communal harmony.So far, chargesheets have been filed against 17 accused in this case. In Jan 2025, another accused, Mohammad Sajjad Alam, was arrested from Delhi airport. He is accused of funding the PFI from Dubai.Nadvi is a former student of Jamia Millia Islamia. He was the state president of Bihar PFI in 2016-17. The agency suspects that he was involved in the organisation’s secret activities and was motivating local youth towards extremist ideology. His associate, Noman, in the case is still absconding.