Kochi, Feb 18 || The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Malappuram native who had been absconding for nearly four years in connection with an alleged arms training case linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
Moitheenkutty, a resident of Valanchery in Malappuram district, was taken into custody at Nedumbassery airport near Kochi.
Investigators said he had been on the run since 2022 and was among the key accused in a case involving alleged arms training camps organised for PFI activists.
According to NIA sources, a dedicated team had been tracking his movements based on intelligence inputs gathered from multiple states.
A reward of Rs 7 lakh had earlier been announced for credible information leading to his arrest, underscoring the agency’s assessment of his role in the case.
Moitheenkutty was intercepted at the airport while allegedly attempting to travel abroad.
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the probe, which has been underway as part of a broader crackdown on extremist activities following the Centre’s ban on the PFI in 2022.