Is the Kerala Police Harassing the Mother of UAPA Accused?
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Synopsis
The ongoing UAPA case involving Allan Suhaib has taken a troubling turn as his mother accuses the Kerala Police of harassing him during the trial. With allegations of police intimidation and political controversy surrounding their arrests, this case continues to stir significant public interest. What does this mean for justice and civil rights in Kerala?
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing trial of Allan Suhaib highlights civil rights issues.
- Allegations of police harassment raise concerns about abuse of power.
- Political implications continue to evolve amidst public scrutiny.
- Involvement of NIA underlines seriousness of the accusations.
- Public interest remains high in the case's developments.
Kozhikode, Aug 4 (NationPress) The mother of Allan Suhaib, the second accused in the contentious Pantheerankavu UAPA case, has claimed that the Kerala Police is subjecting her son to constant harassment, even as the trial approaches its final stages at the NIA Court in Kochi.
Fazal and Allan Suhaib, who are students of journalism and law respectively, were arrested in November 2019 in Kozhikode under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Both were active members of the CPI(M) branch committee.
They faced charges for allegedly supporting Maoist groups, which are classified as terrorist organizations.
After being incarcerated for an extended period, both were eventually granted bail. However, the Kerala High Court later revoked Fazal’s bail, while Allan's bail remains unchanged. The trial is now nearing its conclusion.
In an interview with reporters, Suhaib’s mother, Sabitha Sekhar, expressed her concerns, stating that the police are persistently harassing her son.
“My son must remain in Kochi due to the ongoing trial, while we reside in Kozhikode. The police are now pressuring those who offer him a place to stay,” she mentioned.
“They are attempting to sway landlords and have even spread his photos on social media. This situation is intolerable,” Sabitha added.
The arrest of these young men ignited a political uproar in 2019, particularly after the CPI(M) leadership distanced itself from them, despite their families asserting they were party members.
The situation escalated when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared in the Assembly that both were affiliated with Maoist movements.
The National Investigation Agency later took charge of the case, citing seized materials from the accused—such as books, pamphlets, placards, and diary entries—as evidence of their supposed connections to Maoism.
This issue also echoed in the state Assembly, where the Congress-led UDF urged the Chief Minister to engage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to advocate for the withdrawal of UAPA charges against the pair.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the delicate balance between national security and individual rights. The allegations of police harassment not only raise concerns about the treatment of the accused but also highlight the broader implications for civil liberties in our society. It is essential to approach this matter with impartiality and seek clarity amidst the political noise.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pantheerankavu UAPA case?
The Pantheerankavu UAPA case involves the arrests of Allan Suhaib and Fazal, who are accused of supporting Maoist groups and are currently undergoing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Why was the bail for Fazal revoked?
Fazal's bail was revoked by the Kerala High Court, while Allan’s bail remains intact, as the trial progresses.
What allegations has Allan Suhaib's mother made?
Allan Suhaib's mother alleges that the Kerala Police are harassing her son by pressuring landlords and spreading his photo on social media.
What role does the National Investigation Agency play in this case?
The National Investigation Agency has taken over the case, citing evidence seized from the accused, which includes materials linked to Maoist activities.
How has the political landscape reacted to this case?
The case has sparked political controversy, with demands from the Congress-led UDF for the Chief Minister to seek the withdrawal of UAPA charges against the accused.
