Sydeek MB took an extended leave from his post-retirement job in April this year, believing he needed to remain available to support his son, Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, who has spent a year in jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The 60-year-old was quoted as saying that he wanted to be prepared in case bail arrangements became necessary, adding that his son required both emotional and physical support. At the same time, he expressed concern over the loneliness his wife, Sheeba, would face at their apartment in Ernakulam, Maktoob Media reported.
According to Sheeba, Rejaz had been the person who kept their home lively after their elder son moved abroad a few years ago. Since his arrest, the family’s routine has revolved around brief 10-minute weekday phone calls and a weekly 20-minute video call with Rejaz, who is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail.
Rejaz was detained from a hotel room in Nagpur on the night of May 7 last year. His arrest was officially recorded the following day, while charges under the UAPA were invoked a week later.
An Anti-Terrorism Squad remand application claimed that Marxist-Leninist literature and electronic devices allegedly connected to the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) had been seized from him.
The police report also accused Rejaz of using social media platforms to spread anti-government sentiment and maintaining digital communication with individuals linked to insurgent activities and earlier terror-related cases.
The original FIR reportedly invoked Sections 149, 192, 353(1)(b), 353(2), and 353(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Section 67 of the Information Technology Act 2000, and Sections 38 and 39 of the UAPA.
Section 38 of the UAPA pertains to association with a terrorist organisation with the intention of advancing its activities, while Section 39 deals with providing support such as funds, services, or facilitation.
According to reports, only the UAPA charges along with Sections 152 and 353(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita remain in the chargesheet. The National Investigation Agency had initially shown interest in the case before leaving the investigation to the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad.
The 27-year-old activist has long been associated with campaigns for social justice and state accountability. He has also been described as a vocal critic of human rights violations and an organiser of pro-Palestinian activities.
Rejaz remains the sole accused in the case, and his family hopes that the court will consider granting bail, especially as investigators have not directly linked any violent act to the allegations of public incitement.
As one year of incarceration passed, several activists and friends intensified campaigns demanding his release and criticised the prolonged imprisonment without trial.
Sydeek was also said to have actively assisted in his son’s defence by collecting material evidence to challenge one of the prosecution’s claims.