Kerala scribe Siddique Kappan leaves UP jail after 2 years, says 'One who writes against govt will be dubbed a terrorist, it's a new era'

Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan walked out of jail on Thursday, a day after the sureties required for his bail was submitted in court. Two sureties of Rs 1 lakh each were submitted on Wednesday in the special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court here.

Kappan was released from jail around 9.15 am, Jailor of Lucknow District Jail Rajendra Singh told PTI. He had been incarcerated in 2020 while he was on his way to Hathras where a Dalit woman died allegedly after being raped. The scribe was accused of trying to instigate violence over her death.

Soon after the scribe walked out of prison, he said, "I have come out of jail after 28 months. I want to thank the media for supporting me. False allegations were put against me. I am happy to be out now."

Soon after he walked out of the prison, Kappan said, "I have come out of jail after 28 months. I want to thank the media for supporting me. False allegations were put against me. I am happy to be out now."

Speaking to media, he said that a person or organisation speaking against government or one who is not liked by it will be labelled as terrorist. "If anyone takes a stand against government or if government does not favour an organisation, they will label them terrorist. It's a new era; it is a trend," he said.

Police had alleged that Kappan had links with the now-banned Popular Front of India and charged him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code.

In September last, the Supreme Court granted him bail in connection with that case. But, he continued to be in jail because of the money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate.