The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at 56 locations in Kerala in a case related to "unlawful and violent activities" being carried out by the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliates, an official said.

The raids were carried out in 12 districts at the residences of seven each state executive committee members and zonal heads of PFI, 15 physical training instructors-trainers and seven cadres trained in use of knives, daggers, swords and other types of weapons to carry out murderous violent acts, an NIA spokesperson said.