Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan was released from jail on bail on Thursday. Kapan was lodged in Lucknow District Jail.
The journalist, who was arrested on his way to Hataras in October 2020, told that he was heartbroken over his mother’s death.
“It’s heartbreaking not having my mother there to receive me when I back to home,” he said.
The surety required for his release on bail was submitted to the court on Wednesday.
When asked if Kappan’s bail submission has been formalized in the Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, his lawyer Mohammad Dhanish KS told PTI, “The bail was filed in the court today. The court’s part is now complete. Ordered to send the release to jail.”
Two sureties of Rs 1 lakh each could not be deposited in the PMLA court here on Tuesday due to the absence of the judge.
Kappan and three others were arrested in October 2020 when they were on their way to Hathras where a Dalit woman had allegedly died after being raped.
He had to verify two sureties of Rs 1 lakh each before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court granted him bail.
Dhanish had said earlier in the day that they could not submit bail, as the judge was not present in the PMLA court due to the annual elections of the Oudh Bar Association.
Kappan and three others were charged with trying to incite violence over the death of the Hathras woman, which sparked outrage.
Police alleged that Kappan had links with the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and charged him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The Supreme Court granted him bail in the case last September.
But, he is in jail due to a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate.
