Odisha govt to withdraw cases against jailed journalist Abhijit Iyer

New Delhi: The Odisha government on Tuesday decided to withdraw cases against journalist Abhijeet Iyer Mitra, paving way for his release from jail, agency news reported.

"Taking into account his representation, the government have decided not to accord sanction of prosecution in cases where prosecution has been sought for and also decided to take steps to withdraw other cases pending against him by following laid-down procedures," the press release said.

Iyer was arrested on October 23 after two FIRs – one each in Konark and Bhubaneshwar – were filed against him for an alleged sarcastic video and comments on the Konark Sun Temple that he posted on Twitter on September 16. The police invoked Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), 295A and 298 (criminalising acts or words uttered intended to outrage or wound the religious feelings of any individual or class), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC against him.

In a letter dated November 20, Iyer, who is currently lodged in Jharpara jail, had offered to the government an 'unconditional apology' after the state assembly on November 17 granted pardon to him following recommendations of a House Committee that inquired into the allegations against the journalist.