The Kodagu police arrested columnist Santosh Thammaiah on Monday night on the charge of hurting religious sentiments.
A complaint had been lodged against Mr. Thammaiah and three others for speeches made during a programme held ahead of Tipu Jayanti at Gonikoppa earlier this month.
Confirming the arrest, Superintendent of Police Sumana Pannekara said the authorities had found some evidence of the alleged remarks made by Mr. Thammaiah. “He has been arrested and produced in court,” she said.
The BJP has condemned the arrest. “Santosh has been arrested for speaking against the celebration of Tipu Jayanti by the State government. He had merely exercised his freedom of speech and expression,” said BJP State general secretary Aravind Limbavali in a statement. “By curtailing this right of a citizen, the Congress-JD(S) coalition government has proved it has no hesitation to adopt undemocratic means and deliver a sledgehammer blow on freedom of the media.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Thammaiah was released on Tuesday evening following bail issued by the Ponnampete court. The judge ordered his release with a warning against making hate speeches.
Various Hindu outfits have called for a bandh from 12 noon to 1 p.m, in Kodagu on Wednesday in protest against the arrest.
