Published May 06, 2025 | 6:11 PM ⚊ Updated May 06, 2025 | 6:11 PM
Shajan Skariah alleged that the arrest was an act of revenge for his reports against the Chief Minister and his daughter, and called the late-night action an attempt at intimidation.
Synopsis: The late-night arrest of journalist Shajan Skariah by the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police has sparked widespread outrage, drawing condemnation from media bodies, political leaders, and civil rights groups, and placing the ruling LDF government in Kerala on the defensive.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala has come under sharp criticism over the late-night arrest of journalist and Marunadan Malayali editor Shajan Skariah on Monday, 5 May.
The action by the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police has drawn condemnation from media bodies, political leaders and civil rights groups, who termed the arrest a violation of human dignity and press freedom.
Skariah was taken into custody from his residence at Kudappanakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram, around 10.25 pm, in connection with a defamation complaint filed by a woman from Mahe.
The complainant alleged that a video published on the Marunadan Malayali YouTube channel contained sexually explicit content and defamatory remarks that harmed her personal life.
Skariah was charged under Section 790 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with provisions of the Information Technology Act (IT Act) and the Kerala Police Act.
While being taken into custody, Skariah told reporters that the case was politically motivated and accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of orchestrating the arrest.
He said he was taken without being informed of the charges against him and without even being allowed to wear a shirt.
He further alleged that the arrest was an act of revenge for his reports against the Chief Minister and his daughter, and called the late-night action an attempt at intimidation.
Shajan Skariah talking to the media after securing bail on Monday night
He was produced before the Vanjiyoor Magistrate the same night.
His counsel, Advocate Shyam Shekhar, argued before the magistrate that there was no legal basis for custodial interrogation and that Shajan was a law-abiding citizen.
Observing procedural lapses in the arrest, the magistrate granted him bail with strict conditions, including two sureties.
Shajan, after his release, further alleged that the police’s hunt for him was part of a targeted campaign orchestrated by the Chief Minister’s office.
He also hinted at the involvement of top police officials in the episode.
The incident has placed the Home Department on the back foot, amid mounting criticism of selective and politically motivated law enforcement.
The Thiruvananthapuram Press Club termed the police action “outrageous”.
Its President, PR Praveen, said, “The police have the legal right to proceed against anyone who violates the law, but it should not come at the cost of human dignity and press freedom. Raids and arrests like this are unacceptable.”
He further claimed Skariah was arrested while dining with his parents and was not permitted to dress properly before being taken.
Bharatiya Janata Party State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]-led government of running a “police raj” and disregarding constitutional rights.
“This was a blatant attempt to keep Shajan in custody for a day, but the plan collapsed,” he said.
Former Nilambur MLA PV Anvar also criticised the LDF, comparing the Home Department to a “theatre troupe” in a social media post.
“Shajan is not a fugitive; he is a visible public figure who walks the streets of Thiruvananthapuram. Yet the police chose to arrest him in the dead of night,” he wrote.
Anvar accused the government of staging arrests for political effect and claimed the administration was aware that the court would grant bail, despite alleged procedural lapses.
“The government has made a mess of this case,” he added.
Notably, this is not the first time Skariah has landed in legal trouble.
In 2023, he was arrested by the Thrikkakara Police in a forgery case and also faced a case for allegedly inciting communal tension through his content.
In early 2024, the Kochi City Police booked him under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act based on a complaint filed by MLA PV Srinijin. In all cases, he was granted bail.
Following his latest arrest, Skariah has indicated he will approach the court, alleging violations of Supreme Court guidelines on arrest procedures.
Legal experts noted that earlier complaints against Skariah, including one related to the leaking of wireless messages, were not acted upon decisively.
In one case, legal advice from the Director General of Prosecution to register a First Information Report under the IT Act was allegedly ignored.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
