In October 2020, Siddique Kappan was arrested en route to Hathras to report on a Dalit woman’s gangrape-murder. Charged under UAPA, he spent 846 days in jail before securing bail
Published Apr 14, 2025 | 5:12 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 14, 2025 | 5:12 PM
Siddique Kappan. (Creative Commons)
Synopsis: Journalist Siddique Kappan alleged a recent police visit to his Vengara home was meant to intimidate him and his neighbourhood. Two officers arrived Saturday evening, citing a midnight “routine inspection” without explanation or documentation. Kappan, out on bail since 2023 after over two years in jail under UAPA, called the timing alarming and questioned the motive behind the visit
Journalist Siddique Kappan has alleged that a recent police visit to his residence in Vengara, Malappuram was an attempt to create fear and intimidate, not just him, but his neighbourhood.
Speaking to South First, Kappan—who was released on bail in 2023 after spending over two years in jail under the UAPA—questioned the timing and purpose of the visit, calling it “unusual and alarming.”
On Saturday evening around 6:30 pm, two uniformed officers identifying themselves as personnel from the Vengara and Tirur police stations visited Kappan’s residence.
According to Kappan’s wife, Raihanath, the officers inquired whether he would be home after midnight, stating that a team from Malappuram might come for a “routine inspection.”
The officers reportedly offered no official documentation or clear reason for the visit and dismissed suggestions of involvement from central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Before approaching the house, officers allegedly questioned neighbors, which Kappan says created unease in the area.
“They spoke to people along the way, spreading fear in the area,” he said. “How is a routine check conducted at midnight? That’s not routine. The women and children in my home deserve safety.” Kappan added that he intends to file a formal complaint with the state DGP.
Although the police did not return after their initial visit and left around 6:20 pm, Kappan stated that his family spent the night in distress, anticipating a midnight search.
The Vengara police have since described the visit as part of standard procedure, but Kappan strongly disputed that characterisation.
This isn’t the first time police have visited his home, but Kappan emphasised that this time felt markedly different—especially given that he has been living quietly and complying with all bail conditions since his release.
The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has condemned the incident, calling it a troubling breach of standard policing norms and an apparent attempt to suppress press freedom.
“Such actions are deeply concerning and send a dangerous message to journalists,” the union stated.
Kappan was arrested in October 2020 by Uttar Pradesh police while en route to Hathras to report on the gangrape and murder of a young Dalit woman.
He was held under various charges, including provisions of the UAPA, and spent 846 days in jail before being granted conditional bail by the Supreme Court in 2023.
Now back in his hometown, Kappan continues to raise concerns over what he describes as targeted and intimidating tactics by law enforcement.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
