Hindu Ezhava leader Vellapally Natesan gets anticipatory bail in communal speech case

Kochi: Hindu Ezhava leader Vellapally Natesan, booked by Kerala Police for delivering a communal speech, on Wednesday secured anticipatory bail from the Kerala high court.

The court, however, asked Natesan to present himself before the investigation officer on January 10. The court said he should be granted regular bail as and when he appears before the probe officer.

The high court examined a video of Natesan's speech before granting him anticipatory bail.

Natesan filed his plea on Monday, after which the court sought the state government's response.

Natesan said he was happy over the high court decision. 

"I will abide by the court direction and appear before the probe officer," Natesan told reporters.

Meanwhile, sources close to Natesan said he might approach court again to get the charge against him quashed.

Kerala Police registered a case against Natesan on a complaint by state Congress president V.M. Sudheeran.