By Special Correspondent
Having spent a staggering 28 months behind bars, from October 5, 2020, to February 2, 2023, Siddique Kappan, despite being released on bail, finds himself ensnared in an oppressive web that still resembles the confines of prison walls. Kappan’s ‘Crime’ ? Merely a pursuit to report on the harrowing tale of a Dalit girl brutally raped, murdered, and callously cremated against her family’s wishes in Hathras.
His journey to Hathras, interrupted on October 5, 2020, at Mant Toll Plaza near Mathura, resulted in the apprehension of Kappan and his companions—Atiqur Rahman, Masud Ahmad, and driver Alam. All four faced charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and a money laundering case brought forth by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). While Kappan, Atiqur Rahman, and driver Alam secured bail, Masud remains incarcerated in Lucknow under UAPA charges, despite being granted bail in the money laundering case.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Kappan shared, “It has been over a year since I was granted bail, but the semblance of freedom is fleeting. Every Monday, I am obligated to report to the Vengara Police station at my hometown in Mallapuram. Additionally, twice a month, I traverse to Lucknow to attend trial court proceedings.”
Kappan’s heart wrenches with the memory of his family, particularly his mother, who resided in Churur in the Malappuram district of Kerala while he pursued his journalistic career in Delhi. Tragically, his mother passed away on June 18, 2021, deprived of adequate care during his incarceration. Now, torn between responsibility and circumstance, Kappan grapples with the burden of not abandoning his bereaved family.
“My ailing mother was deprived of proper care during my confinement,” sobbed Kappan. “I am a father to three school-going children. The logistical challenges are overwhelming—I cover over 20,000 kilometres twice a month. Who will extend employment opportunities amidst such demanding circumstances?” he questioned poignantly.
Though Kappan has started working for Muslim Mirror form Dec 2023, the logistical strain persists. “While I’ve started working with Muslim Mirror, the daunting task of travelling from Kerala to Lucknow twice a month is suffocating. Despite being physically free, the psychological weight of my circumstances echoes the feeling of incarceration,” Kappan admitted, the fatigue evident in his voice.