PLFI terror-funding case: NIA, police conduct searches; seize arms, explosives
What's the story
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday claimed to have achieved a breakthrough in a terror funding case involving the People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) as it seized a large number of explosives, arms, and ammunition from Jharkhand with the help of the Jharkhand Police. The major seizure was reportedly possible following the disclosures by the arrested self-styled PLFI supremo Dinesh Gope.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The PLFI, previously known as the Jharkhand Liberation Tigers (JLT), is accused of a number of terror activities, including many killings, in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. The group used to lure jobless youth by offering money and other benefits, per the NIA. Gope reportedly used PLFI members to extort money from wealthy individuals and intimidate the general public, the agency added.
Details
Joint team of NIA, and Jharkhand Police made major seizures
On Monday, the NIA and the Jharkhand Police recovered about 62.3 kg of gelatin and 732 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition from Jharkhand's Khunti, PTI reported. The joint team also seized a pistol, 11 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, and 30 rounds of .303 ammunition from Kisni village. The next day, two IEDs were also seized from the forest hill of Mahuatoli in Simdega.
Twitter Post
Seizure details shared on Twitter
In the latest seizures, the NIA and Jharkhand Police on Monday recovered about 62.3 kg of Gelatin and 732 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition from Jhariatoli, Garai, PS Rania in Khunti district. The same day, one Pistol, 11 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition and 30 rounds of .303…
— ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2023
Seizure
PLFI chief Gope's disclosure helped in breakthrough: NIA
Reportedly, this is the third major seizure in less than a week. Earlier, the NIA allegedly seized a huge cache of ammunition on May 26 following Gope's arrest. Gope, aka Kuldeep Yadav, had been absconding and was finally nabbed by the NIA on May 21. On May 22, a special court sent him to NIA custody for further interrogation in multiple cases.
Naxal chief
What was PLFI's Modus operandi
Using PLFI members for extortion was reportedly a common modus operandi of the group. The unlawful funds were then invested through banking channels and shell businesses in the names of the accused's close colleagues and family members. Notably, the NIA had announced a reward of Rs. 5 lakh for information leading to Gope's arrest, in addition to the Jharkhand government's Rs. 25 lakh reward.
About
Know about PLFI
Gope founded the PLFI in 2007 along with his elder brother Suresh Gope, with operations primarily in Ranchi. Following the killing of Suresh in December 2003, Gope assumed command of the organization and expanded its scope of operations. Later, in July 2007, Masi Charan Purty, a renegade of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), and many of his supporters joined PLFI, and it grew.