Chennai, Dec 20: Tamil Magazine ‘Nakkeeran’ editor R
R Gopal, detained under Pota, was today released from the
central prison here after over eight months in custody.
Gopal was ordered to be set free on bail by a division
bench of the Madras High Court yesterday while allowing a
habeas corpus petition filed by his brother.
Emerging out of the prison, Gopal said his obtaining the
bail was the 'first blow' to the "autocratic rule" of Tamil
Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
"This victory is Nakeeran's first step. Let the goverment
file any number of false cases, we will emerge victorious," he
said in brief remarks as he was given a rousing reception by
magazine staff and others in front of the prison complex.
The high court had faulted the police with not providing
any reasons for his arrest under IPC and Pota.
Gopal was first arrested in April this year in connection
with the murder of a police informant, allegedly by forest
brigand Veerappan, and was subsequently charged under Pota for
alleged possession of arms.
Though the high court had earlier granted bail to him, it
was stayed by the Supreme Court on an appeal by the state
government.
Bureau Report
