The Kerala Police have initiated legal action against several activists who gathered at Vanchi Square in Kochi on Saturday to demand the release of Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, a Democratic Students Association (DSA) member and independent journalist currently imprisoned in Nagpur since May under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The Ernakulam Central Police registered the case under FIR No. 1272/2025, referencing Sections 189(2), 190, and 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as Sections 117(e) and 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act. According to the police report, the assembly was deemed “unlawful” for allegedly obstructing public passage and voicing slogans against the UAPA and Operation Sindoor without prior permission.
Sections 189(2) and 190 of the BNS address and criminalize unlawful assembly, holding all participants accountable for actions taken in pursuit of the group’s shared objectives. Additionally, Section 285 penalizes actions that create danger or obstruction in public spaces, while Sections 117(e) and 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act target the obstruction of law enforcement personnel and activities considered to disturb public order.
Among those named in the FIR are journalist Siddique Kappan, attorney Pramod Puzhangara, student leader Niharika, human rights advocate C.P. Rasheed, and members of the Welfare Party of India and SDPI. Two participants, Dr. Hari P.G. and Shaneer E., were detained at the scene but later released on bail.
The Rejaz Solidarity Forum, which organized the protest, stated that about 40 people participated in this peaceful demonstration, coinciding with the death anniversary of freedom fighter Jatin Das. Organizers claimed that the police acted without provocation, attempted to forcibly collect names of the participants, and reportedly manhandled several demonstrators, including women, without the presence of female officers, thereby violating established procedures.
During the event, Attorney Puzhangara emphasized that bail should be standard practice in a democracy and warned that prolonged detention under UAPA without sufficient evidence undermines civil liberties. Kappan, who delivered the keynote address, commended Sydeek’s reporting on marginalized groups and drew parallels between Sydeek’s allegations and those he once faced.
Sydeek, aged 26, was arrested in May 2025 for criticizing Operation Sindoor on social media. The Maharashtra police charged him with multiple offenses under the BNS, including allegations of preparing to wage war against the government, inciting a riot, and criminal intimidation. His home in Elamakkara, Ernakulam, was raided by Nagpur police with assistance from Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad and Kerala Police.
Sydeek’s family has expressed concerns over procedural violations during the seizure of items such as phones, pen drives, and books that critique Brahmanism. They have also requested English translations of the remand documentation.
The forum has called for Sydeek’s immediate release or bail, warning that his continued imprisonment poses a threat to press freedom and democratic principles.
