Kappan released from jail: Kerala-based journalist Siddiqui Kappan was on Thursday released from a jail in Uttar Pradesh, a day after he submitted sureties for his bail in court. This comes after two sureties totaling Rs 1 lakh each were presented in a special court on Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Wednesday, February 1.
According to Jailor Rajendra Singh of Lucknow District Jail, Kappan was released from jail at around 9.15 am. The journalist said after his release, “It has been 28 months. I am out after a lot of fighting. I am happy.”
‘Went to Hathras for reporting…’: Kappan
When asked why he had come to Hathras, Kappan replied that he had gone there for “reporting”. Responding to reports that some objectionable material was found in his possession, he said, “I only had a laptop, a mobile, two pens and a notepad.”
Why was Kappan arrested?
Kappan was arrested two years ago when he was on his way to Hathras in Uttar Pradesh, where a Dalit woman had died after allegedly being raped. He and three others were accused of having links with the Popular Front of India (PFI) and being part of a conspiracy to incite violence.
Read also: High Court grants bail to Kerala journalist Siddiqui Kappan; Wife called it a ‘ray of justice’
In September 2022, the Supreme Court granted him bail in connection with that case. But he remained in jail due to a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
(With inputs from PTI)