Derogatory comments about student protesters: Court grants bail to Kerala right-wing ideologue
Thiruvananthapuram: A court in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday granted bail to right-wing political commentator T G Mohandas, who was arrested over alleged remarks in a YouTube video about a student protest in New Delhi linked to the NEET paper leak.
Thiruvananthapuram Additional Chief Judicial First Class Magistrate Court judge Mithun Gopi G S granted bail to Mohandas when he was produced before the court for remand proceedings.
Mohandas was taken into custody from his residence in Mattancherry, Kochi, on Sunday evening. His arrest was formally recorded on Monday morning.
Police invoke additional charges
Mohandas was booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Information Technology Act and Kerala Police Act.
During the proceedings, the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police, which is investigating the case, informed the court that additional charges had been invoked.
These included offences relating to words, sounds, gestures or objects intended to insult a woman's modesty, as well as criminal intimidation involving severe threats.
The prosecution sought custody of Mohandas for further investigation. It also argued that he was an influential person and could influence witnesses or tamper with evidence if released on bail.
Defence cites age and health
Mohandas' counsel opposed the request for custody and filed a bail petition when he was produced before the court.
The defence cited his age and health condition and argued that all the offences registered against him were bailable.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted bail.
As part of the conditions, the court directed Mohandas to appear before the investigating officer for three days during the probe. He was also asked to appear before the police whenever his presence was required.
The court further directed him not to repeat a similar offence while on bail.
Case follows complaint over YouTube video
The case was registered following a complaint alleging that videos uploaded on Mohandas' YouTube channel, Pathrika, were intended to disturb public peace and create fear and unrest among the public.
In one of the videos, Mohandas allegedly said the protest by students in Delhi over the NEET paper leak "could lead to incidents of gang rape".
He further allegedly claimed that there would be no complaints because "those attending the protest like rape and there are girls who enjoy being raped".
Mohandas also allegedly said that some people would be killed or permanently injured, but that the situation would be brought under control within hours and the bodies shifted to hospitals.