Mangaluru: Police in Dakshina Kannada district arrested a Muslim cleric, Syed Ibrahim Tangal, for allegedly promoting the banned organization Popular Front of India (PFI). Authorities claim he was attempting to revive the group’s activities through digital platforms.
The arrest was carried out by the Mangaluru City Police following an investigation into Tangal’s online activity. Officials said he created a WhatsApp group called “Salaman Salama,” which he used to share content that praised PFI and its former members. Police sources stated that he also maintained contact with individuals linked to the organization who are currently absconding.
The Union government banned PFI in September 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The group was accused of involvement in extremist activity and promoting communal division. Since the ban, multiple operations have been launched across the country to identify attempts to reorganize or revive its network.
Authorities said Tangal’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown to prevent any revival of PFI’s influence in Karnataka and other southern states. The police are monitoring social media networks and online groups for similar activity.
The investigation into Tangal’s links and digital communications is ongoing. Officials said further arrests are likely if additional connections to banned organizations are uncovered.
