Alvin M. Keeling 
The government opposed the bail plea filed by Kappan in the Supreme Court in the case filed against him under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). He was arrested on his way to Hathras to cover a gang rape and murder case.
The affidavit read: “Investigation has revealed that the petitioner is part of a larger conspiracy with the co-defendant, including CFI financial launderer Rauf Shari, to foment religious discord and sow terror in the country, particularly following the anti CAA protests and violence, the Babri Masjid decision of this Honorable Court and the Hathras incident.
“The PFI’s anti-national and terrorist plot and agenda dates back to 2010 (when PFI (ex SIMI) executives) brutally mutilated (cut off the hands of) Christian lecturer TJ Thomas of Newman College, and 2013 when A PFI backed terrorist weapons training camp was raided by Kerala Police in Narath, an investigation which was later taken up by the NIA,” the UP government said.
It should be noted that the Uttar Pradesh government’s counter affidavit preceded the bail hearing in the Supreme Court which is scheduled for September 9.
Siddique Kappan was arrested by UP police, along with three others, as they traveled to Hathras to cover the October 2020 gang rape and murder incident. The journalist was arrested for his links alleged with the PFI and his suspicions of being part of a plan to start riots in the neighborhood.
He was charged under UAPA and convicted of sedition as well. He went to the Supreme Court after the Sessions Court and High Court denied him bail.
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