Popular Malayalam actress and filmmaker Aisha Sultana was questioned in Kochi by the Lakshadweep Police on Thursday in connection with a sedition case for her remarks in early June during a TV panel discussion. She had made comments regarding the union government's decision to relax the COVID-19 restrictions in Lakshadweep and termed the appointment of new administrator Praful Khoda Patel as a bio-weapon. Speaking to media persons after the interrogation in the port city, Sultana alleged that it was done with the motive to harass and torture her, while adding that her brother's laptop was seized at her flat in Kakkanad and probed for information regarding his bank accounts. She stated, "It was least expected. I had to rush from my shooting site after my brother informed me about it. It is part of the harassment and torture plan."
Earlier, Aisha Sultana had appeared before the Kavaratti police in Lakshadweep two weeks back and was questioned for five days. Police officials had registered a case against her on June 11 under sections 124 (A) (sedition) and 153 (B) (acts against national interests) of the Indian Penal Code. The case was filed based on a complaint by the Lakshadweep BJP president C Abdul Khadar Haji who stated that her comments were in bad taste and hurt the sentiments of many people. Despite Sultana expressing regret over her statements, the union government retorted saying her words were being used by foreign media with the intention to show the country in bad light.
The Kerala High Court issued an anticipatory bail order to Sultana, but refused to revoke the case without hearing all the parties concerned. Last month, Aisha Sultana said that the police in Kavaratti had visited her flat for interrogation purposes while she was in the middle of dubbing work for her upcoming film. Earlier, Sultana's mobile phone was seized by the police and was told to take part in the investigation.