Parappanangadi, Kerala: Hundreds gathered in this coastal town as Zakariya completed 17 years in prison as an undertrial in the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts case. The Solidarity Youth Movement, youth wing of Jamaat e Islami Hind Kerala, organised the rally in his hometown and renewed its call for justice.
Zakariya was 19 when Karnataka Police arrested him under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. On 5 February 2026, he marked 17 years behind bars without conviction. Organisers said the trial has reached its final stage.
Speakers described the case as a grave injustice. T Muhammed Velom said Zakariya had chances to secure release by betraying others. He refused. “Zakariya is not only a victim, Zakariya is a hero,” he said.
Thoufeekh Mampad praised the steadfast struggle of Zakariya’s mother, Beyummah. A single mother in her sixties, she moved the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of UAPA and its amendments. She has said her son has spent half his life in prison.
Journalist M Jisha recalled stigma faced by Muslim undertrials. Razik Raheem, acquitted after over a decade in jail in another case, said many prisoners come from Dalit, Adivasi and Muslim communities. He called Zakariya a symbol of delayed justice.
Activist Sadiq Uliyil said Zakariya refused alleged offers to admit guilt in exchange for freedom. He insisted he would walk free only after acquittal.
The rally ended with a pledge to continue the campaign until Zakariya returns home with dignity.
Story by Maktoob Media
