Held for remarks against women protesters, Kerala political commentator gets bail

Kerala political commentator T G Mohandas was granted bail on Monday after being arrested the previous night for derogatory remarks against Jantar Mantar protesters, including women. Cyber police recorded his arrest in Kochi on Sunday, though the court initially rejected his custody. Mohandas, who once served as the BJP's intellectual cell convener in Kerala, was charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for provocation, insulting modesty of women, and circulating false statements to cause public mischief.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar dismissed the arrest as political vendetta aimed at diverting attention from the Congress government's issues. Mohandas made controversial statements on July 26, suggesting curfew and firing to control the protest, as well as derogatory remarks about women protesters. The cyber police registered an FIR on July 29, but Mohandas was not arrested until August 9. Opposition CPI(M) claimed the Congress government was not taking the case seriously.