Chennai, Feb 13: DMK MLA and former Deputy Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Parithi Illamvazhuthi, arrested on January 31 for allegedly threatening to kill an MLA, was today released on bail on the orders of the Madras High Court. Parithi was arrested after the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution, directing the police to initiate criminal proceedings against him for alleged threat to kill Tamil Maanila Kamaraj Congress Legislature Party leader Dr D Kumaradoss following a verbal duel between the two in the House on January 30 last. Talking to reporters after his release from the Central Prison in Chennai, he said that his arrest was due to 'political vendetta.' Parithi's arrest had united a disunited opposition in the state, which had jointly organised a public meeting here last week to condemn his arrest and demand immediate release.

Earlier in the day, Justice P D Dinakaran, while granting Parithi bail, directed him to furnish a personal bond for Rs 10,000. On Tuesday, a lower court had denied him bail.
Bureau Report