Siddique Kappan is an Indian journalist who made headlines in October 2020, when he was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police while he was on his way to cover the Hathras gang rape case. Kappan has been in custody ever since, and his arrest has sparked a nationwide debate about the state of press freedom in India. In this article, we will take a closer look at Siddique Kappan’s life, including his age, family, and biography.
Age and Early Life
Siddique Kappan was born on 2 March 1976 in Kerala, India. As of 2023, he is 46 years old. Kappan grew up in a Muslim family in a small village in Kerala, where he received his early education. After completing his high school education, Kappan moved to Delhi to pursue a degree in English literature from Delhi University. It was during his college years that he developed an interest in journalism.
Journalistic Career
After completing his studies, Kappan began his career as a journalist in Delhi. He worked for various media organizations, including the Malayala Manorama, where he served as the Delhi bureau chief. In 2012, Kappan joined Azhimukham, a Malayalam news portal that focuses on issues related to the Muslim community.
Kappan has been known for his coverage of human rights issues and marginalized communities. He has reported on a wide range of issues, including the NRC-CAA protests, the plight of migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the gang rape of a Dalit woman in Hathras, which was the reason for his arrest.
Arrest and Detention
On 5 October 2020, Kappan was traveling from Delhi to Hathras to cover the gang rape case. Along with three other journalists, he was stopped by the Uttar Pradesh police at a toll plaza and arrested. The police claimed that Kappan and the others had links to a banned terrorist organization and had gone to Hathras to incite violence. However, Kappan’s family and supporters have denied these claims, saying that he was simply doing his job as a journalist.
Kappan was first taken to a local police station and then transferred to Mathura jail, where he has been held ever since. His family and lawyers have alleged that he has been subjected to mistreatment in custody, including physical assault and denial of medical treatment. They have also said that he has been denied access to legal counsel and his family.
In November 2020, Kappan’s wife Raihanath Kappan filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court of India, seeking his release from detention. The case has been heard several times, but as of February 2023, Kappan remains in jail.
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Conclusion
Siddique Kappan’s arrest and detention have raised important questions about press freedom and human rights in India. The government’s actions have been criticized by journalists, activists, and international organizations, who have called for Kappan’s immediate release. However, the case remains unresolved, and Kappan’s fate remains uncertain.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Kappan has remained committed to his work as a journalist. He has been a voice for the voiceless, shining a light on issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. It is our hope that he will soon be released from detention and allowed to continue his important work.