The ED's arrest of Faizy follows a raid on his Kerala residence, part of an ongoing probe into financial crimes linked to the organisation PFI, which was banned in September 2022
Published Mar 04, 2025 | 3:28 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 04, 2025 | 3:28 PM
ED arrests SDPI National President MK Faizy in connection with money laundering case
Synopsis: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested MK Faizy, National President of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), in a money laundering case linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). Faizy, from Kozhikode, was apprehended in Bengaluru. The arrest follows investigations into suspicious financial dealings, part of a broader effort to dismantle extremist-linked financial networks. He is currently being interrogated in Delhi
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested MK Faizy, National President of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), in relation to a money laundering investigation connected to the banned organization Popular Front of India (PFI).
Faizy, who hails from Kanthapuram in Kozhikode, was apprehended in Bengaluru late last night.
According to ED sources, Faizy’s arrest follows an investigation into suspicious financial activities that allegedly violated anti-money laundering laws.
Officials stated that the arrest is part of a broader effort to dismantle the financial networks of groups suspected of involvement in extremist activities.
Following his arrest, Faizy was transferred to the ED’s office in Delhi, where he is currently being interrogated.
This arrest follows a raid by the ED on Faizy’s residence in Kerala on 28 February, as part of its ongoing probe into financial crimes linked to the banned PFI.
The Ministry of Home Affairs banned the PFI and its eight affiliate organisations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on 28 September, 2022, following a nationwide crackdown by the ED and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The crackdown led to several arrests and the recovery of what the authorities claim were incriminating documents from the residences and offices of PFI office bearers. The Centre has alleged that the PFI was involved in radicalisation efforts and terror funding.
In response to the arrest, the SDPI has strongly condemned the action, labelling it an example of “vendetta politics” aimed at stifling political dissent and targeting opposition leaders.
Social Democratic Party of India express its strong condemnation on the arrest of its National President M. K. Faizy by the Enforcement Directorate in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/rotRwIlNcE
— SDPI (@sdpofindia) March 4, 2025
SDPI Vice President Md Shafi accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing central agencies to suppress political opponents. “This arrest is nothing but part of vendetta politics to suppress dissent and oppress political opponents,” Shafi said in a statement.
The party further asserted that Faizy’s arrest is part of a larger government strategy to intimidate democratic voices, alleging that charges against him are fabricated to undermine opposition.
“This arrest is a clear indication that the regime is intolerant of SDPI, which has been actively protesting against the draconian Waqf Amendment Bill,” the SDPI added.
Despite the crackdown, the SDPI reaffirmed its commitment to resisting what it described as “oppression and anti-democratic moves.” The party vowed to continue its struggle, stating, “SDPI is committed to fighting against such oppression with full grit and spirit.”
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
