In connection with a PFI-related case, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), a terror probe agency, was engaged in conducting a raid. However, an unusual situation unfolded when the intended subject of the raid, Abdul Wahid Shaikh, kept NIA officials and Mumbai police personnel waiting outside his residence for an extended period, which amounted to over six hours, according to an official statement.
The NIA team, accompanied by the Mumbai police, arrived at Abdul Wahid Shaikh's dwelling located within a chawl at Parkside in Vikhroli around 5 a.m. Their intention was to carry out the operation. However, Mr. Shaikh did not respond to their presence or open the door for an extended period, thus compelling the officials to remain outside during this time.
Abdul Wahid Shaikh, who had previously faced accusations in the 7/11 train blasts case in Mumbai back in 2006 but had been subsequently acquitted, requested that the NIA team present proper identity proof and a search warrant from within the confines of his residence. Finally, it was around 11:15 a.m. when he decided to open the door after his attorney and local social activists arrived on the scene.
Following the delayed entry, the NIA team began their investigative procedures regarding the PFI-related case.
Significantly, a considerable number of police personnel were stationed outside Mr. Shaikh's residence, underscoring the importance and sensitivity of the situation. The NIA's search and inquiry activities at his residence were prolonged, spanning more than five hours in total.
This action undertaken by the National Investigation Agency was a component of the comprehensive raid operations conducted across multiple locations in six states of the country. The primary target was the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), and the focus was on a case related to creating disruption during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bihar the previous year, as outlined by officials.
In response to the incident, Abdul Wahid Shaikh revealed to India Today that the individuals who came to his residence forcibly broke down the door and damaged surveillance cameras in the process. He further explained that these individuals had arrived at his place around 5 a.m. but had not been forthcoming with their identity. Consequently, he informed them that he would be contacting the police and requested a legal notice to facilitate cooperation. This ultimately led to the resolution of the situation.
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