The Ernakulam Police have registered one more case against UAPA accused Siddique Kappan and ten others in connection with a so-called ‘solidarity event’ held in Kochi on 13 September evening. According to police, the meeting was reportedly organised to condemn the arrest of Reiaz M. Sheeba Sydeek and was staged at High Court Junction, the busiest spot in the city.
The programme was conducted by self-proclaimed human rights organisations, with participation from Islamic outfits of extremist leanings, including the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the Welfare Party. SDPI is the political wing of the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI), while the Welfare Party is also known for advocating Shariat Law.
Reiaz M. Sydeek, a Keralite, was recently arrested in Nagpur under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly criticising Operation Sindoor.
Kerala: Maharashtra ATS raids home of pro-Maoist-Hamas activist Rijas M Sheeba Siddique in Malappuram over anti-national propaganda against #OperationSindoor
Siddique is linked to radical networks and UAPA-accused Siddique Kappan.
Via: @eOrganiser https://t.co/vCPVzo1xuf
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) May 12, 2025
According to the FIR, around 30 people, including the eleven accused, gathered at Vanchi Square around 4pm on 13 September, raised slogans against the UAPA provisions, and used microphones and loudspeakers without permission, obstructing pedestrian movement. When the police intervened, most dispersed, but two clashed with officers and were detained before being released on bail.
Those named in the FIR include Neeharika Pradush, Siddique Kappan, Pramod Puzhangara, Ambika, C.P. Rasheed, Sajid Khalild, Baburaj Bhagavathy, V.M. Faizazl, Mrudhula Bhaani, Dr Hari and Shaneer. The case has been registered under Sections 189(2), 190 and 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 118(e) and 117(e) of the Kerala Police Act.
Observers note that breaking the law and then playing the victim card has become a standard template of anti-national elements. Under the guise of freedom of expression and human rights, outfits such as SDPI and its affiliates are seen as having perfected this strategy.
Siddique Kappan was earlier arrested in Uttar Pradesh in 2020 while on his way to Hathras. He was charged by Uttar Pradesh Police with “intending” to instigate a riot, raising funds from known and unknown sources, maintaining links with the Popular Front of India (PFI), and with a history of “organising demonstrations to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)”. Kappan and two others were also booked under sedition and terror charges last month. He is currently out on conditional bail.
Meanwhile, the BJP’s Ernakulam district committee has lodged a complaint with police, alleging that Kappan’s participation in the Kochi event violated the stringent bail conditions set by the Supreme Court.
