The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Thursday claimed in a 1,113-pages chargesheet that members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) wanted to establish Islamic rule in India by 2047.
The chargesheet, submitted before a special court in Mumbai, claimed that five PFI members, who were arrested by the Maharashtra ATS in September last year, intended to “create disaffection and hatred against other religions by spreading disinformation of atrocities among Muslim youths.”
According to the chargesheet, ATS received an anonymous letter in October, along with a CD, claiming that members of both banned organisations, PFI and Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) shared the same ideology.
The letter was sent to the ATS Kalachowky office and included the names of PFI members, including Mazhar Mansoor Khan, who was in ATS custody. According to the letter, “the organization is working to break the country and incite youth against Hindus.”
ATS claims to have recovered a seven-page booklet titled: India 2047, Towards Rule of Islam in India, from Mazhar Mansoor Khan’s Vikhroli residence, which speaks of transforming India into an “Islamic-ruled state.” This booklet was allegedly distributed to those recruited by PFI.
According to the chargesheet, the booklet discusses how the Muslim community, which was once a ruling community in the country, has been “relegated as second-class citizens, as a result of which the community must act and work towards the target of 2047 to bring about Islamic rule in the country.”
The booklet also stated, “One needs to repeatedly remind the Muslim community of its grievances and establish grievances where there is none. All of our frontal organizations, including the party, should be focused on expanding and recruiting new members. Simultaneously, we must establish an Islamic identity among everyone that goes beyond the concept of being an Indian. We would start recruiting and training members, and they would be taught how to attack and defend.
The chargesheet stated, “Accused persons conspired and committed a terrorist act and attempted to incite hatred and disaffection against the government established Constitution in India. They committed the offence under Section 13(1)(b) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act with the intent to threaten India’s unity and sovereignty, as well as to instill fear and violence in the minds of the Indian people by disrupting public peace, law, and order.”
