PFI crackdown: Court gives Maharashtra ATS 30-day extension to file charge-sheet in arrest of 5 functionaries

More than 2,000 firefighters backed by 17 helicopters have been deployed against the Oak Fire, which broke out on July 22 near Yosemite National Park, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said in a report. (Image: AFP)

A special court here on Saturday granted a 30-day extension to the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) to file a charge sheet in connection with the arrest of five members of the now-banned Popular Front of India for alleged unlawful activities and waging war against the country.

The five were among the 20 persons held from across the state by the ATS as part of nationwide multi-agency raids helmed by the National Investigation Agency in September this year.
The probe agency had approached the special court seeking an extension of 90 days to file the charge sheet claiming the investigation was still under progress.
However, Judge AM Patil granted the probe agency 30 days to file the charge sheet.
Over 100 functionaries of the radical Islamic outfit PFI and its affiliate groups were held in raids across several states in September for allegedly indulging in unlawful activities, including waging war against the nation.
Subsequently, the Central government imposed a ban on the PFI.