Abhijit Iyer Mitra Walks Free From Jail

Bhubaneswar: After being lodged in Jharpada jail in Bhubaneswar for 45 days since his arrest on October 23, research scholar Abhijit Iyer Mitra was finally released on Thursday evening. He was granted conditional bail by the Court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) at Konark and the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM), Bhubaneswar earlier in the day.

Both the courts granted bail to Abhijit with a personal bond of Rs 20,000 each with a condition that he would never resort to anti-Odisha remarks in future. The Orissa High Court, while granting bail to Abhijit on Monday had ruled that the two aforesaid lower courts can grant bail to Abhijit on conditions.

Police had admitted Abhijit to the Capital Hospital on December 2 after he had complained about acute stomach pain.
Talking to mediapersons after his discharge from the hospital in the evening, his counsel Nikhil Mehera told the media that his client would proceed to Chennai to meet his mother.

Asked about his reaction following his release, Abhijit said: “Thank you”.
In his letter dated November 20, the research scholar had requested the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary for his release from jail as the State Assembly has pardoned him. He had submitted an apology on the recommendation of the House Committee.

On receipt of the letter, the Odisha government on December 4 decided to withdraw all cases against Abhijit.