Lucknow
: PFI president Wasim Ahmad, who was accused of masterminding violence, was granted bail and released on Tuesday.
The Uttar Pradesh government's proposal to ban the popular Front of India (PFI), following its alleged involvement in recent violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests is likely to face trouble since the UP Police has failed to produce 'substantial evidence' against its activists.
"The government is merely trying to malign the organisation but without any concrete proof. As many as 19 of the 25 PFI members, arrested by the police, have been granted bail because the police had no evidence against us," Ahmed told the media persons.
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Lucknow police had arrested three persons on December 23 which includes PFI president Wasim Ahmad, treasurer Nadeem Ali and divisional president Ashfaq. Allegations were put up against them that all the three PFI members carried inflammatory literature, posters, CDs and banners.
However, bail pleas of Nadeem Ali and Ashfaq will be heard next week.
Mohammed Shadab, a kingpin among 18 arrested members of the PFI group was also granted bail on Tuesday.
"Although Waseem Ahmad has got bail, but we are still collecting evidence. We already have proof on his role, which will be filed in court," said Dhirendra Khushwaha, SHO of Hazratganj. He said that the cops are yet to file a chargesheet.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sent a proposal seeking a ban on the PFI on the grounds that the organisation was involved in anti-national activities. The state government has said that the PFI is a reinvented organisation of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India.
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