Hit List With Names Of 5 Targets, Including Ex-District Judge, Found On Wallet Of Absconding PFI Accused: NIA Tells Kerala Court

The revelation was made during a bail hearing in the murder case of RSS worker Sreenivasan, allegedly carried out as part of a larger conspiracy to establish Islamic rule in India by 2047.

Special Judge P.K. Mohandas rejected the bail applications, observing that the materials on record prima facie established the petitioners’ involvement in a broader terrorist conspiracy, thereby attracting the bar on bail under Section 43D(5) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).

The Court held that their actions were part of a wider conspiracy aimed at destabilising the country and establishing Islamic rule in India by 2047.

Court Takes Note of Larger Conspiracy

Citing findings of the NIA, the Court referred to the recovery of a document titled “India 2047 – Towards Rule of Islam in India” and a hit list containing names of five individuals, including a retired Kerala District Judge, allegedly seized from the wallet of absconding co-accused Abdul Wahab.

The document and other materials, the Court noted, suggested a strategic plan by the PFI to eliminate ideological opponents and instigate communal unrest.

“In the last few years, they have been responsible for many violent incidents and murders in Kerala that have created terror in the minds of general public. PFI, its members and office bearers are also indulged in unlawful activities with the intention to cause disaffection against India by inciting people and innocent Muslims to defy Government and institutions established by law and thereby commit disruption of sovereignty and integrity of India,” the order stated.

Background of the Case

The case arises from the daylight murder of Sreenivasan, an RSS functionary, in April 2022. According to the NIA, the murder was a retaliatory strike orchestrated by PFI members as part of a larger effort to silence ideological dissent and provoke communal tension.

The two petitioners, arrested on April 21, 2022, were accused of playing key roles in the conspiracy. Petitioner No.1 was alleged to have arranged weapons and conducted reconnaissance, while Petitioner No.2 allegedly assisted the assailants. The prosecution claimed both were present at the scene and directly aided in the execution of the murder.

The final report indicated that PFI had established arms training centres, including the now-attached 'Periyar Valley' campus, and maintained links with proscribed global terrorist organisations like SIMI, Lashkar-e-Taiba, ISIS, and Al-Qaida. It was further alleged that PFI was radicalising vulnerable Muslim youth and operating through a clandestine organisational structure to promote anti-national activities.

Petitioners’ Arguments Rejected

Advocate P.C. Noushad, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the accused had no direct involvement in the crime and were falsely implicated. He contended that the allegations were fabricated and the petitioners had been in prolonged incarceration despite the investigation being complete and the trial pending.

The petitioners also submitted that the delay in trial proceedings justified the grant of bail.

However, the Court categorically rejected this argument, noting that the delay was due to a stay granted by the Supreme Court and could not be used to favour the petitioners.

“There are materials to show prima facie the larger conspiracy of the PFI to establish Islamic rule in India under their hidden agenda 'India 2047'. It also shows that the accused in this case are the members of terrorist gang, prepared for commission of terrorist act by imparting/undergoing arms training, attending conspiracy meetings, arranged weapons, collecting the details of targets and also by committing terrorist act of murder of Sreenivasan on 16.4.2022 as a part of larger conspiracy,” the Court noted.

It further noted, "As per that a hit list containing details of 5 targeted persons, including one former District judge of Kerala has been seized from the wallet of Abdul Wahab (A-15) who is absconding since then. It is submitted that 'Periyar Valley' campus is an arms training centre of PFI which has been attached by NIA u/s.25 of UAP Act as 'Proceeds of terrorism' as per order dated 29.9.2022 and the same has been confirmed by the Designated Authority."

Legal Analysis and Final Order

The Court applied the principles laid down by the Supreme Court in Gurwinder Singh v. State of Punjab (2024), which held that once allegations appear prima facie true, Section 43D(5) of UAPA bars the grant of bail unless the case falls under the narrow exception under the proviso. The Court found no grounds to invoke this exception.

Relying on CCTV footage, call data records, forensic evidence, and witness statements, the Court concluded that there was sufficient material indicating the petitioners’ active participation in the criminal conspiracy and the murder.

“On a careful scrutiny of the materials placed before me, I am of the view that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accusation against the petitioners are prima facie true. The allegations against the petitioners are of serious nature. The Proviso to Section 43D(5) is applicable in this case and the petitioners are not entitled to be released on bail at this stage. Hence the petition is only to be dismissed,” the order read.

Accordingly, the Court dismissed the bail petitions.

Interestingly, in May 2025, the Supreme Court had granted bail to three other accused PFI workers in the same conspiracy case, citing prolonged pre-trial detention and noting that the delay was not the fault of the accused.

However, the Special NIA Court has taken a stricter view in the present applications, pointing to strong prima facie evidence and the petitioners’ proximity to the core of the alleged conspiracy.

Special Public Prosecutor Ajith Kumar S. represented the NIA, opposing the bail plea.