Hindu Munnani Demands Investigation Into Alleged SDPI and PFI Training Camps in Ramanathapuram
The Hindu Munnani has urged the Tamil Nadu Government, state police, and Central intelligence agencies to launch an investigation into reports of training camps allegedly being conducted by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) in Ramanathapuram district. The SDPI is the political arm of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
The organisation has raised serious concerns over claims that these training sessions were conducted at the Ramanathapuram Armed Police grounds, which is located in a sensitive coastal region. A formal complaint has been lodged by the Hindu Munnani to draw the attention of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to the ongoing activities.
Allegations of Drills Under Cricket Cover
The allegations surfaced following social media posts by Mohamed Raisudeen, a resident of Periyapattinam in Ramanathapuram district. Raisudeen shared a video alleging that PFI cadres have been accessing the Reserved Police ground under the pretext of playing cricket. According to his claims, these individuals have been using the sports cover to conduct drills at 4:00 AM on the police grounds.
In his posts, Raisudeen also alleged that PFI cadres have been seen in the company of district collectors and police officials. He appealed to both State and Central intelligence agencies to investigate the matter and verify the details. He further indicated that he possesses concrete evidence regarding the activities of banned outfits, which he intends to hand over to the appropriate authorities.
The Role of the Democratic Squad
Further details were highlighted by netizen Saravanaprasad Balasubramanian, who quoted Raisudeen's disclosures. He stated that functionaries and cadres formerly associated with the banned PFI and the SDPI are conducting religious-based training camps across various parts of Ramanathapuram, a district described as religiously sensitive and vulnerable to conflict.
According to these reports, the training is being imparted through an entity known as the "Democratic Squad." This squad is reportedly a wing of the Young Democrats Movement, which was recently established by the SDPI. The Hindu Munnani's petition also referenced discussions by YouTuber Savukku Shankar, who had previously spoken about these issues and named certain officials on his channel.
Security Context and Previous Investigations
The recent allegations have emerged against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in Ramanathapuram and its adjoining coastal belt. The region has been subject to multiple security and law enforcement actions in recent years.
In March 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Abdul Salim in Andhra Pradesh in connection with the Bengaluru Rameshwaram Café blast investigation. Salim, identified as a suspected key member of the banned PFI, was investigated for his alleged links to unlawful and terror-related activities, prompting NIA searches in both Chennai and Ramanathapuram.
Additionally, in August 2026, the Ramanathapuram Police dismantled an alleged methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution network operating from Ilayangudi in the neighbouring Sivaganga district. The investigation traced the movement of the drugs towards Rameswaram, Thoothukudi, and Nagapattinam for alleged smuggling to Sri Lanka, with further links extending to Kerala.
Ramanathapuram was also the site of a prior law enforcement action in November 2020, when the Tamil Nadu Police busted a clandestine PFI training camp in Periyapattinam. During that operation, a Special Branch team discovered a group undergoing training in a tent, with participants confirming that the PFI was conducting a five-day camp, which was the 32nd batch of its kind.
