Kerala Journalist Shajan Skaria arrested for casteist remarks against CPIM MLA, released on bail
Kochi: Kerala-based journalist and editor of the online portal Marunadan Malayali, Shajan Skaria, was arrested by the Kerala Police on charges of making casteist remarks against CPIM MLA P.V. Sreenijan. The arrest was made under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act after Skaria allegedly made derogatory comments while reporting on the alleged mismanagement of a sports hostel by Sreenijan, who was serving as the District Sports Council chairman at the time.
Skaria, who has faced prior accusations of Islamophobia and casteism, was taken into custody by officers from the Elamakkara Police Station in Ernakulam on Monday. However, he was later released after securing anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court of India, which overturned earlier rejections of his bail plea by both a trial court and the Kerala High Court.
In addition to his role as editor of Marunadan Malayali, Skaria is also the founder-editor of the online platform British Malayali. He has previously been arrested for allegedly spreading communal hatred through online platforms. His latest arrest follows allegations from various quarters, including whistleblower MLA P.V. Anvar, who accused the CPIM-led Kerala government of protecting Skaria.
Marunadan Malayali, the media outlet led by Skaria, has been under fire for promoting content that is often viewed as Islamophobic and casteist. The channel has also been repeatedly criticized for spreading fake news and publishing content that infringes on individuals' personal privacy.
The Kerala High Court had previously issued strong remarks about the nature and style of functioning of Marunadan Malayali, highlighting concerns over the portal's journalistic practices.
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Rahul Gandhi to attend friendly football match between Messi, Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad
Hyderabad (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will attend the GOAT India Tour event featuring football legend Lionel Messi at the RGI Cricket Stadium here on Saturday evening, Telangana Congress sources said.
A friendly match will be played between the two teams -- Singareni RR9 and Aparna-Messi All Stars. These two teams will be playing a 15-20 minute friendly match and five minutes before the game, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, a football enthusiast and Messi will join and will dribble the ball together.
Rahul Gandhi will land here on a special flight at 4.30 PM and will proceed to Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel where Messi will be staying.
After watching the game, Gandhi will leave for the national capital by 10.30 PM.
Elaborate security arrangements are being made for the event at the RGI Cricket stadium.
Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu said security would be provided with 3,000 personnel.
