Kerala Police visits Journalist Siddique Kappan’s home; Says will visit again after midnight
Malappuram: A recent late-night warning by Kerala police about a supposed routine inspection at the residence of journalist Siddique Kappan has triggered concerns among civil society groups, media unions, and the journalist’s family, who describe the move as abnormal and distressing.
According to Kappan and his wife, Raihanath, two police officers arrived at their home in Vengara, Malappuram, around 6:30 pm on Saturday, April 13. The officers claimed to be from Vengara and Tirur police stations and informed the family that a team from Malappuram would visit their home after midnight to verify Kappan’s presence. No clear reason was offered for the visit, which the officers described as a “routine check” linked to Kappan’s past legal case.
Speaking to local reporters, Raihanath Kappan recounted the unsettling exchange. “They asked if Siddique was home and whether he would be there after 12 am. When we questioned the purpose of such a late visit and whether it was linked to any central agencies like the ED or NIA, they simply brushed it off as a routine procedure. But it didn’t feel routine at all,” she said.
Siddique Kappan, who was released on bail in February 2023 after spending more than two years in a Uttar Pradesh jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), also raised concerns about the nature and timing of the visit.
“The Vengara police station is just two and a half kilometres from my home. If they wanted to verify something, they could have called. Instead, they asked around the neighbourhood and created panic. When they arrived, they asked if I was Siddique Kappan. I confirmed and invited them inside, but they declined. They said a team would come again after midnight for a ‘regular check.’ A police visit at that hour doesn’t seem regular,” he said.
Kappan said he immediately contacted his lawyer and shared the officers’ details. He questioned the motive behind such a visit, stating that he is a public figure and has always cooperated with law enforcement. “I live with my wife and two children. We have nothing to hide. But we do expect dignity and basic respect, especially after all we’ve already endured,” he said.
Raihanath added that since Kappan’s release, the family has faced consistent police monitoring. “They follow him, take his pictures in public, and visit our house repeatedly. Even though he complied with the condition of weekly reporting to the police station, the visits haven’t stopped. But planning a visit after midnight goes beyond any reasonable limit,” she said.
After the officers left, the couple informed their lawyer, who contacted the police seeking clarification. The officers reportedly repeated that it was a routine check but gave no official documentation or legal reasoning behind the timing of the proposed visit.
The incident has drawn criticism from journalist groups and civil society. The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ), of which Kappan is a member, issued a statement condemning the police action. The union said such steps deviate from standard procedures and should not be normalized.
The case has revived concerns about the treatment of journalists in India, especially those who face charges under harsh laws for their work. Kappan was arrested in October 2020 by the Uttar Pradesh police while on his way to Hathras to report on the gangrape and murder of a 19-year-old Dalit woman. He was later charged under UAPA and accused of conspiracy. His prolonged detention drew national and international attention. In 2023, the Supreme Court granted him bail, noting that he had the right to free speech and that there was insufficient evidence to justify continued incarceration.
As of Monday evening, the Kerala police have not issued any official statement about the purpose of the visit or why it was scheduled for such an unusual time.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
