PFI-SDPI case: One person has been arrested by ED STF from Coimbatore

ED arrests Wahidur Rahman Jainullabudeen in Coimbatore, linking SDPI to PFI money-laundering scheme across multiple states.

One person named Wahidur Rahman Jainullabudeen has been arrested by ED STF from Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, after search conducted at his house on Thursday (March 21, 2025)

He has been brought to Delhi, said agency source

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday (March 20, 2025) conducted searches across four States in connection with the money-laundering charge allegedly involving the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

Earlier this month, the agency searched 12 locations across 10 States in the case against the banned outfit, the Popular Front of India (PFI), days after the arrest of SDPI national president M.K. Faizy at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The ED has alleged that SDPI is a “political front” of PFI and it was a recipient, beneficiary, and user of the funds which were raised by PFI within and outside India. The agency has so far quantified the amount with respect to SDPI as ₹4.07 crore.

It alleges that the PFI office-bearers, members, and cadre raised/collected funds from India and abroad (Gulf countries) through banking or “hawala” channels, as part of a conspiracy to commit or finance terror activities across the country. The agency has also alleged that SDPI was a “front” of PFI having common members/cadre and leaders and that SDPI was “dependent” on PFI for its day-to-day functions, policy making, selecting candidates for elections, cadre mobilisation, and other related activities.