Zakariya completes 15 years in jail after being jailed under UAPA

Fifteen years have passed since Zakariya, a resident of Kozhikode, Kerala, was taken into custody by Karnataka police as the seventh accused in connection with the 2008 Bengaluru bomb blast case, which has garnered attention for its alleged miscarriage of justice.

Accused of building bomb timers, Zakariya's mother, Beyummah, has been tirelessly fighting for his release, claiming that he is innocent.

Zakariya's ordeal began when he was apprehended by Karnataka Police at the age of 19. The charges against him led to a conviction under the controversial Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which has been criticized for its potential misuse.

Beyummah, a single mother in her sixties, challenged the validity of the UAPA and its subsequent amendments in the Supreme Court of India four years ago through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). She argues that the act is unconstitutional and violates fundamental rights.

The case has taken a toll on Beyummah's mental well-being, and she has spoken out about the challenges faced by her family. Zakariya, the youngest among four siblings, lost his father at the age of 10, leaving his mother to rely on relatives for support.

Before his arrest, Zakariya had dropped out of B. Com to enrol in a short-term electronics course, aiming to contribute to his family's financial well-being. He was employed at a mobile store in Kondotty before moving to Tirur for easier commuting.

The circumstances surrounding Zakariya's arrest raise questions, with Beyummah recalling a visit from Kerala police days before he was taken into custody. Initially told it was related to a passport application, Beyummah insists Zakariya had not submitted any such application.

Zakariya's cousin, Shuhaib, has been actively advocating for his release, pointing out inconsistencies in the chargesheet that suggest Zakariya's innocence. Shuhaib's efforts, along with civic organizations and friends of Zakariya, led to the formation of the "Free Zakariya Action Forum," sparking public discussions on the case.

Despite being offered release in exchange for a confession, Zakariya declined, maintaining his innocence. Advocates argue that his continued detention raises concern about the validity of the investigation.

As Zakariya's case gains prominence, it reignites the debate over the application of draconian laws and the need for a fair and transparent legal system. The struggle of Beyummah and the "Free Zakariya Action Forum" sheds light on the human cost of such cases, prompting a reexamination of the UAPA and its impact on individuals and their families.