Shajan Skaria, the owner of the popular Malayalam YouTube channel Marunadan Malayali, was arrested late Friday night by the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police in connection with a defamation complaint. The arrest was made based on a petition filed by a woman from Mahe, who alleged that a report published by the channel had adversely impacted her personal life.
According to reports, police apprehended Skaria from a house in Kudappanakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram, where he was staying with his parents during a journey from Erumely to the state capital. He was reportedly taken into custody while having dinner and was not allowed time to even wear a shirt, triggering criticism over the manner of the arrest.
The arrest was registered under non-bailable sections including BNS Section 79, IT Act Section 120, and a relevant provision of the Kerala Police Act. Following a mandatory medical examination, Skaria was produced before the residence of the Judicial First Class Magistrate, Vanchiyoor.
Advocate Shyam Shekhar, appearing for Skaria, argued that the arrest was conducted in violation of procedural norms and asserted there was no need for custodial interrogation. The court, presided over by Magistrate Swetha Sashikumar, subsequently granted conditional bail, requiring two sureties and adherence to strict terms.
Speaking to the media during his medical examination, Skaria said, "I was having dinner with my parents when the police arrived. They didn’t even tell me what the case was about or allow me to wear a shirt. I am being targeted for speaking the truth." He further described the arrest as undemocratic and politically motivated, vowing to fight back against what he called a "fabricated case."
The Cyber Police had earlier registered the case based on allegations that the content published by Marunadan Malayali was defamatory and had a detrimental impact on the complainant’s personal life. The arrest, executed late at night, was reportedly part of a carefully planned operation.
While Skaria now remains out on bail, the case has sparked debate over freedom of expression and due process in cybercrime investigations, with several commentators calling for a balanced approach that safeguards both individual rights and press accountability.
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