Casteist slur against former Minister: accused released on bail

KOCHI

The Special Court, Thrissur, trying the offences booked under the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act cases released V. Vipindas of Thrissur on bail in a case booked in connection with the alleged casteist slur made against former Minister K. Radhakrishnan.

The prosecution case was that the accused posted a casteist slur against Mr. Radhakrishnan in the comment box of a video report on Mr. Radhakrishnan with the knowledge that the former Minister belonged to the Scheduled Caste.

Though the police had served a notice on Mr. Radhakrishnan in the case, he chose not to appear in court. The complainant also reported that he had no objection to releasing the accused on bail though the prosecution strongly opposed the bail plea.

K. Kamanees, the Special Judge, noted that the gravity of the offence was very high and reflected the unrefined state of mind of the accused in having the audacity to address a Minister by his caste name in public view. The prosecution records revealed that the digital evidence was collected in the case and the accused, who was in jail for seven days, had cooperated with the investigation, noted the judge.

The court asked the accused to surrender his passport and furnish sureties.