Daijiworld Media Network – Kochi

Kochi, Sep 14: Kochi city police have registered a case against journalist Siddique Kappan—out on bail in the 2020 Hathras UAPA case—and ten others for allegedly staging an unlawful protest in support of student activist Rejas M Sheeba Sydeek, who was arrested by Maharashtra ATS over social media posts criticising anti-Maoist operations.

According to police, the protest, organised by the Rejas Solidarity Forum, was held near the High Court junction without permission and disrupted public movement. Kappan, who delivered the keynote address, and others have been booked for unlawful assembly, public obstruction, violation of public order, and assault on police officers.

Around 30 people reportedly gathered, shouting slogans in favour of Rejas. Police said a scuffle broke out when officers asked the crowd to disperse; two people were taken into custody while others fled. BJP leaders had earlier urged police to prevent the meeting, alleging Kappan violated his bail conditions.

Rejas, an independent journalist from Kerala, was arrested in May under the UAPA for posts opposing Operation Sindoor and Operation Kagaar and for allegedly raising anti-India slogans. Kappan was arrested in 2020 while on his way to cover the Hathras rape case and later charged under the same anti-terror law.