Siddique Kappan, the Kerala-based journalist lodged in Mathura jail over alleged sedition charges, has been moved back to the Mathura Jail from AIIMS, Delhi, covertly and without letting them meet Kappan, alleged his family.
After Kappan had tested positive for Covid-19 on April 21, his wife wrote a letter to the Cheif Justice of India, that Kappan was tortured in the jail instead of given proper medical treatment, and on further insistence by Kerala’s MPs and the CM himself, the Supreme Court had directed the UP government to move him to Delhi for treatment.
Kappan’s wife, Raihanath, as per a report by The Hindu, told that on Thursday, it was through some acquaintance instead of the officials, that the family got to know that Kappan had been moved to Mathura jail. She said that she had traveled to Delhi from Kerala with her son, in the hope of meeting Kappan, but the two were denied permission. She also told that after waiting for a week in vain, they returned to Kerala.
An acquaintance of Ms. Raihanath said that Kappan talked to his wife over the phone, on Friday. He called her and informed her that he was kind of fine, although the treatment had not been completed.
Mr. Kappan is diabetic and recently had a fall in Mathura jail’s bathroom. His lawyer, Wills Matthews, has said that Kappan should have been allowed to complete the treatment until his health went back to normal.
Matthews has alleged that Kappan has injuries on his face and body, and is diabetic. “He was denied the permission to see his wife and son who have waited for last seven days. These are basic human rights. Having the company of near and dear ones works better than medicine,” said Matthews.
He added that while initially, Kappan had tested positive for the deadly virus, but three or four days back, after being declared negative twice, Kappan had tested positive again.
Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Mathura Jail, Shailendra Maitreya said that he cannot comment on the allegations made by Kappan’s family. Although he confirmed that Kappan was brought back into the Mathura jail, on Thursday night. He briefed that Kappan has been kept in isolation and is being provided medicines as per the protocol. Maitreya, as well, said that Kappan is still Covid positive.
Mr. Maitreya said that Kappan has been shifted back only after AIIMS discharged him. He said that Kappan showed improvement, while he was in AIIMS, Delhi, and hence, was discharged. Mr. Maitreya also told that Kappan was admitted to AIIMS from April 30 to May 6. And that he would be kept in isolation for fourteen days at Mathura jail.