The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested MK Faizy, the national president of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
MK Faizy was detained late Monday night at Delhi International Airport as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering activities linked to the banned organisation Popular Front of India (PFI).
Founded in 2009, the SDPI has faced witch-hunting by authorities of being affiliated with the PFI, which was outlawed by the Union government on September 28, 2022, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Prior to his arrest, Faizy’s residence in Kerala was raided by the ED on February 28, 2024. The operation was part of a nationwide crackdown on the PFI. The raid was conducted discreetly, with a team of 20 police personnel led by the Sub-Inspector of the Koppam Police Station overseeing the process.
In response to the raid, SDPI’s National Vice-President, B.M. Kamble condemned the action, labeling it as “politics of vengeance.” He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of attempting to suppress those who oppose its policies, stating that such raids are intended to intimidate critics of the administration.
The SDPI has been vocal in its criticism of the government’s actions against organisations like the PFI. Following the ban on the PFI and its affiliates, Faizy described the move as a direct attack on democracy and constitutional rights. He accused the BJP regime of misusing investigative agencies and laws to silence opposition and instill fear among those expressing dissent, suggesting that an “undeclared emergency” is evident in the country.
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