Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi: National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids in Kerala at the offices and residences of Popular Front of India (PFI) leaders on Wednesday night. The raids were conducted in the presence of CRPF personnel. It is learnt that 13 PFI leaders were taken into custody following the raid. 

The raids continued until Thursday morning in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Thrissur and Kannur districts. Interestingly, Kerala Police was not involved in the surprise raid. 

The raids had taken place at Pathanamthitta district secretary Sadiq Ahmed's house and the district committee office at Adoor. Popular Front state committee member Yahiya Thangal was taken into custody by the NIA team from Thrissur after a raid at his house. 

Meanwhile, three people, including district leaders, were taken into custody after raids in Kottayam. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops were seized from their house. The arrested individuals are brought to the NIA office in Kochi.