Friday, June 13, 2025

Police’s midnight check on Siddique Kappan’s whereabouts; wife files complaint to Kerala police chief

Photo: Shakeeb KPA/Maktoob

Raihanath Siddique, wife of journalist Siddique Kappan, who is out on bail in a UAPA case filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police, has filed a complaint with the State Police Chief in Kerala after two uniformed officers made an unannounced visit to their home on 12 April, inquiring about Kappan’s whereabouts past midnight.

The incident caused distress to the family, their legal counsel told Maktoob.

Kappan, currently out on bail under Supreme Court directions, has complied with all conditions, said the legal counsel.

The complaint demands clarity and protection from undue harassment.

Kerala police visit journalist Siddique Kappan’s house, say they will do midnight visits to know if he is present

On Saturday evening, around 6:30 pm, two uniformed police officers claiming to be from Vengara and Tirur police stations arrived at Kappan’s home in Vengara, Malappuram district.

According to Raihanath Kappan, the officers inquired whether Siddique Kappan would be home after midnight, stating that a team from Malappuram would visit for an inspection to verify his presence.

When pressed for details about the purpose of the check, the officers provided no clear explanation, describing it as a “routine” procedure related to Kappan’s ongoing legal case.

“They asked if Siddique was home and said a team would come after 12 am to check again,” Raihanath told Maktoob.

“We asked why such a visit was necessary so late at night and whether this involved agencies like the ED or NIA. They assured us it was just a routine check, but it didn’t feel routine at all.”

Siddique Kappan, who was released on bail in February 2023 after over two years in a Uttar Pradesh jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for attempting to report on the Hathras gangrape-murder case, described the police’s actions as creating an atmosphere of fear.

“The Vengara police station is just two and a half kilometers from my home. They asked people along the way about me, creating a sense of panic in the neighborhood,” Kappan told reporters.

“If they needed to contact me, they have my number. I would have guided them to my house. Instead, they turned a simple visit into something alarming.”

Kappan recounted the evening encounter: “When the officers arrived, they asked, ‘Are you Siddique Kappan?’ I said yes, I am, and invited them inside, but they declined. They told me a team would return after midnight for a ‘regular check.’ A police visit at that hour hardly seems regular. I immediately contacted my lawyer, Danish, and shared the officers’ details with him.”

Expressing his unease, Kappan added, “I live with my wife and two children, who are students. We are always ready to cooperate with any legitimate investigation, but this felt far from normal. I’m a public figure with nothing to hide. If the police need to check on me, they can do so anytime during reasonable hours. A midnight visit suggests a hidden motive.”

Raihanath echoed her husband’s concerns, noting that the family has faced regular police monitoring since Kappan’s release. “They follow him wherever he goes, take his photos, and visit our home often. We’ve complied with all bail conditions, including weekly reporting to the police station until it was no longer required,” she said. “But a team arriving in the middle of the night is unacceptable. We’ve already endured so much,” she told Maktoob.

After the officers left, the couple informed their lawyer, who questioned the police about the legal basis for the proposed midnight check.

According to Raihanath, the officers reiterated that it was a routine procedure but offered no further clarity. She also shared the incident on social media, which she believes may have prompted the police to abandon the planned late-night visit.

The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), of which Kappan is a member, has also raised concerns, stating that such actions deviate from standard procedure and should not be normalized. The incident has reignited discussions about the treatment of journalists, particularly those like Kappan, who have faced legal challenges for their work.

Kappan’s arrest in October 2020 by the Uttar Pradesh Police, while he was en route to Hathras to report on the gangrape and murder of a 19-year-old Dalit woman, drew widespread attention. Charged under the draconian UAPA and accused of conspiring to incite riots, he spent over two years in custody before being granted bail by the Supreme Court, which emphasized his right to free expression.

As of now, the Kerala Police have not issued an official statement regarding the visit.

spot_img

Don't Miss

Related Articles