The Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) has picked up nine people with alleged links to the Popular Front of India (PFI) based in Kerala. The suspects were detained over the last three days after raids in Mumbra and Aurangabad. They are being interrogated for possible links to the Islamic State.

ATS sources said one suspect, who was on his way from Mumbra to Aurangabad, was picked up on Sunday evening and his interrogation led to the detention of eight more suspects. Sources said the nine suspects seem to be part of two sleeper cells in Mumbra and Aurangabad.

A senior ATS officer said, Inquiries indicate the suspects were involved in anti-State activities. Searches are on at several locations in the State to collect evidence on their activities and affiliations. We are sifting through the information and it is early to comment on their affiliations.

The PFI has been in the news for its pro-Palestinian stance. The Kerala government had moved the Madras High Court recently seeking a ban on the party. In April 2013, a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered in raids at PFI centres. Several PFI members are alleged to be former members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India.