MDMK functionary gets bail

Chennai, Sep 6 (UNI) Madras High Court today granted bail to Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) South Chennai District Secretary Manimaran who was arrested on August 19 for allegedly making ''an inflamatory speech in support of the banned LTTE.'' Granting the bail, Mr Justice K M Basha asked Mr Manimaran to report to the Vishnu Kanchi police station at Kancheepuram daily for a week after his release.

Mr Manimaran should also execute a bond for Rs 50,000 with two sureties for the like sum, the judge said in his orders.

The MDMK functionary reportedly made the speech during a fast organised by the Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) on August 17 to condemn the killing of 61 children in an air strike in Sri Lanka.

Police claimed Mr Manimaran's speech was in a manner which could ''hinder'' the sovereignty and unity of the country.

He was arrested under various sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention Amendment) Act 2004 and IPC section 153 (b) (committing any act prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different religious, racial or regional groups).

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