Kerala-based left activist, Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, arrested in Nagpur, social media posts criticising army mentioned in FIR

State: Maharashtra

Year: 2025

Date: May 8, 2025

Source:

https://maktoobmedia.com/india/kerala-based-left-activist-arrested-in-nagpur-social-media-posts-criticising-army-mentioned-in-fir/

Arrests – Others, Lawfare – National Security, Others

A left-wing activist and independent journalist from Kerala was arrested in Nagpur on Thursday, 8th May 2025, for his social media posts critical of the government.

Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek (26), a resident of Edappally in Kerala, was arrested from a hotel room along with his friend for allegedly preparing to “wage war against the Government of India.” She was also arrested separately, police said.

In the past 10 days, this is the second FIR filed against Sydeek. On April 29, a case was registered against him and a few other journalists for participating in a pro-Kashmir protest in Kochi.

The FIR registered by the Nagpur police claims that Sydeek was arrested following intelligence inputs indicating he was staying in a hotel room in the city. A police team raided the hotel where he had checked in with a 24-year-old female friend from Bihar. However, Sydeek was produced alone before a magistrate court.

Arrests, Lawfare

Updated On: May 15, 2025

Kerala activist Rejaz charged under UAPA days after Nagpur arrest, police allege Maoist links

Rejaz M. Sydeek, a 26-year-old activist with the Democratic Students Association (DSA) and an independent journalist from Kerala, has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), days after his arrest by the Nagpur Police.

Rejaz was initially arrested in Nagpur over social media posts that were critical of the government and its military operation against Pakistan named “Operation Sindoor.” Following his arrest, he has now been charged under Sections 149, 193, 347(1)(v), 347(2), and 347(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000; and the 38 and 39 Sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

According to the police, the case has been handed over to the Police Sub-Inspector of Zone 3, Nagpur, and is now under the supervision of the Special Police Inspector General for Naxal Operations.

Source:

https://maktoobmedia.com/india/kerala-activist-rejaz-charged-under-uapa-days-after-nagpur-arrest-police-allege-maoist-links/

Arrests, Lawfare

Updated On: May 19, 2025

Bombay High Court Refuses Relief to Rejaz M. Sydeek, a Law Student Suspended for Instagram Posts Against Operation Sindoor

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has refused to grant immediate relief to Rejaz M. Sydeek, a final-year law student of Symbiosis Law School, who was suspended from all academic and non-academic activities, including examinations, for allegedly making political posts on Instagram that opposed the Government of India’s official stance on “Operation Sindoor.”

Justice Rohit W. Joshi issued directives concerning the disciplinary proceedings while balancing the student’s educational interests.

Source:

https://lawstreet.co/judiciary/bombay-high-court-refuses-relief-to-law-student-suspended-for-instagram-posts-against-operation-sindoor