Hubballi: The First Additional District and Session Court granted bail to Hindu activist Shrikanth Poojary, who was arrested last Friday in connection with a rioting case of 1992.
While the police and government maintain that the arrest was part of addressing long-pending cases, BJP leaders allege it is an attempt to intimidate Hindu activists. Poojary's detention took on political undertones and BJP had staged a statewide protest.
The lawyer representing Poojary applied for bail.
"The court today granted bail to Shrikanth Poojary. We were confident in securing bail. We welcome this decision. He is expected to be released tomorrow," Advocate Sanjeev Badaskar told reporters.
Poojary's son, Manjunath, conveyed his happiness over his father's release after a week of tension surrounding the arrest. Grateful for the support from lawyers and those who stood with them, Manjunath spoke to reporters, expressing relief that his father would soon be back home.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle Hubballi-Dharwad Central MLA Mahesh Tenginakai hailed the court's decision as a victory for truth and called for immediate apologies from the Chief Minister and Home Minister.
"The Chief Minister and Home Minister claimed that Shrikanth Poojary had 16 cases against him. Upon verification it has been discovered that only the 31-year-old case remains and none of the cases are pending," he said.
"The Chief Minister and Home Minister should immediately apologize for giving false information," demanded Tenginakai.
Regarding the party's demand for the suspension of the Inspector involved in the case, he noted that the party would decide on the course of action.
