Odisha govt clears all decks for Abhijit Mitra's release

The Odisha government on Tuesday announced that it will not accord sanction to prosecute defence analyst Abhijit Iyer Mitra in certain criminal cases and will also take steps to withdraw other criminal cases pending against him.

Mitra, who has been in judicial custody since October for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Konark Temple is lodged at Jharpada Jail in Bhubaneswar. He was arrested by the Odisha Police from Delhi on October 23.

"Abhijit Iyer Mitra has made an appeal to the Government of Odisha to consider withholding sanction to prosecute him in certain criminal cases pending against him. He has appealed 'to accept his apology and contrition' in having wounded the sentiments of people of Odisha without intention. .Taking into account his representation, the Government has 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," a press statement from Home Department of the Odisha government read.

In November, the Odisha Assembly passed a motion to forgive Mitra on the recommendation of the House Committee of the Assembly, which was formed to investigate the matter.

Earlier, Mitra wrote an apology letter to the House Committee and Assembly Speaker Pradeep Amat over his derogatory remarks.

On September 16, Mitra during a visit to the Konark Temple posted a satirical video on Twitter in which he made derogatory remarks insulting Odisha, its culture, tradition and state legislators.