A joint team of Nagpur Police and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Kerala conducted a search operation at the residence of Kerala-based student activist and journalist Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek in Kochi in Kerala. He was arrested by Lakadganj Police on May 7. During the search, the team seized some literature which would help the investigators to initiate further action against Sydeek. Rejaz Sydeek (26), was arrested on serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 149 (preparing to wage war against the Government of India), Section 192 (provocation with intent to cause riots), Section 351 (criminal intimidation) and Section 353 (statements conducive to public mischief).

 

The search at his Edappally residence, under the jurisdiction of Edappally Police Station, began around 9.30 pm. Officials from Nagpur Police and Kerala Police examined Sydeek’s personal belongings, documents, digital devices, and books. While the police have not officially disclosed the findings, sources suggest that the focus was on uncovering material that may link him to alleged Maoist propaganda and anti-government campaigns. Sydeek, who identifies as an independent journalist and is the President of the Democratic Students Union (DSU), Kerala Chapter, was picked up from a hotel in central Nagpur after being tracked for his online activities. Intelligence reports indicated that Sydeek had posted provocative material on social media, including a photograph showing him holding two guns and referencing ‘Operation Sindoor’ — a counter-insurgency campaign against terrorists. A senior police official claim that Sydeek was not just a vocal critic but an active urban operative of the banned CPI (Maoist).

 

Police sources allege that he was mobilising funds, preparing to publish a journal titled Nazariya, and working to build covert student groups in support of Maoist ideology. During the house search, investigators were reportedly looking for further evidence of printed and digital Maoist literature, including items linked to Operation Kagar, a large-scale anti-Maoist security operation in central India. A few publications allegedly supporting “peace talks from Delhi to Bastar” and criticising military actions were found in his possession at the time of arrest. While Sydeek’s girlfriend, Isha Kumari, a student in Nagpur, also was questioned, the focus remains on Sydeek’s wider connections.