Cartoonist Bala gets bail

Tirunelveli (TN): A freelance cartoonist was released on bail by a court here on Monday, a day after he was arrested for allegedly depicting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami in an obscene manner, in a caricature on a recent incident of a couple setting its two kids on fire before committing selfimmolation due to usury.

Cartoonist G. Bala alias Balakrishnan, arrested by Tirunelveli district police on a complaint by the district collector, Sandeep Nanduri for publishing a cartoon portraying himself, Tirunelveli city police commissioner and the State Chief Minister in bad light was granted bail on Monday by a court here.

Despite the court granting bail, the police refused to free the cartoonist. The district crime branch inspector (incharge) Anitha Arockiya Mary dragged Bala at the entrance of the JM-1 court chamber stating that she wanted to further enquire him in the case.

Bala’s lawyers, however, opposed the police taking him for enquiry after the bail was obtained.

This created commotion in the court chamber. The magistrate, Ramadoss, who granted bail for the cartoonist in the case got down from his seat and severely condemned the police and advised them against taking him for enquiry after he issued the bail in the case.

“If you find it necessary to enquire him any further in the case, issue a new summon and do that,” said the magistrate.