Homestay attack: Reporter released on bail

After spending about eight months in jail in connection with the attack on some youngsters suspected of indulging in undesirable activities at a homestay here last year, a regional TV channel reporter was released today following the bail granted to him.
On March 18,the Karnataka High Court had granted bail to Naveen Sooringe on a surety bond of Rs five lakh but imposed no other conditions.
Sooringe's arrest after the attack, carried out in an act of moral policing, had triggered a controversy with journalist and rights bodies condemning it claiming he had been falsely implicated when he had actually tried to help the attack victims. They had been demanding his release.

On January 31, the state cabinet had decided to withdraw the case against Sooringe, one of the 44 accused. He has been in judicial custody since his arrest on August 27 last year.
Sooringe was welcomed by mediapersons and members of various organisations including Democratic Youth Federation of India and People's Union for Civil Liberties,police said.