The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted a raid at the residence of a Keralite pro-Maoist and Hamas supporter for spreading propaganda against the country and the armed forces by criticising Operation Sindoor. The raid was carried out at the house of Islamic journalist Rijas M Sheeba Siddique in Malappuram, Kerala. Earlier, the Maharashtra ATS had arrested Rijas and his girlfriend, Isha, a native of Bihar, from a hotel in Nagpur, where they were found in possession of pro-Maoist literature.
Rijas is an activist of CPI (Maoist- Leninist) linked Democratic Students Association (DSA). He is also a supporter of Hamas. Rijas is known to be closely associated with Siddique Kappan, a journalist, who was previously arrested under the UAPA in connection with the Hathras case.
Earlier, Rijas had produced several articles and interviews about Kappan to whitewash his anti-national activities. After Kappan’s release from jail and return to Vengara in Malappuram District, Rijas conducted an interview with him for Maktoob Media titled ‘Siddique Kappan Q&A: Press Freedom, State Violence, Current Politics of India’. Maktoob’s X account has recently been blocked by the government of India for propagating content against Operation Sindoor.
Additionally, Rijas had organised a programme in Kochi titled ‘Is it a crime to become a Kashmiri’. Police suspect that Siddique Kappan may have played a role in planning the event. The Maharashtra ATS seized pen drives, mobile phones, and books from Rijas’ residence. The Police also gathered details related to the case registered against him in Kochi. The investigation is in progress.
