Nagpur, May 9 (UNI) A Kerala-based student activist Rejaz M. Shiba Siddique (26) was arrested by Nagpur police for anti-national activities, including his objectionable writings on Operation Sindoor. He is a resident of Edappally, Ernakulam, Kerala.

A case has been registered against him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Rejaz Siddique is associated with the ‘Democratic Students Association’ and writes on issues of caste discrimination, religious violence, state oppression and disadvantaged communities through media outlets like 'Maktoob Media' and 'The Observer Post'.

He had recently gone to Delhi. On his return journey, he stopped in Nagpur to meet his girlfriend, when the police arrested him based on a tip-off.

He has been booked under sections 149 (preparation to wage war against the country), 192 (incitement with intent to cause riot), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 353 (spreading rumours and creating disorder) of the Indian Penal Code.

According to police, Siddique had shared posts on his Instagram account criticizing anti-Naxal operations and Operation Sindoor and inciting hatred against the Indian government. It is also reported that an offensive statement saying "Operation Sindoor is an attack on humanity" was also found on his mobile phone.

During the investigation, the police have seized ten objectionable books, correspondence and writings related to banned Maoist organizations, and objectionable content on social media from him.

As soon as intelligence agencies gave the information obtained by closely monitoring Siddique's mobile phone to the police, he was arrested by raiding a hotel in the Marwadi Chowk area.

The Nagpur police and the anti-Naxal operation team are currently interrogating Siddique, said police on Friday.

UNI SP PRS