Writer arrested for "insulting" remarks, granted bail

: Noted Malayalam short story writer Santhosh Echikkanam was arrested here Saturday for his alleged insulting remarks against a backward community.

He was later released on bail, police said.

The writer was held based on a complaint filed by a Kasaragod native, who alleged that Santhosh had made some derogatory remarks against the backward community and hurt their sentiments during a public speech some months ago.

He had also submitted the purported video clip of the speech along with his complaint, police said.

Though the award-winning writer had earlier approached the Kerala High Court for anticipatory bail, he was asked to surrender before the investigating officer here.

The case was registered under the sections of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of atrocities) Act, police said.

Santosh was produced before a magistrate here and was granted bail.

A winner of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award, Santhosh has penned several books, including "Ottavathil" and "Komala".