Pub attack accused get bail, Muthalik re-arrested

Hours after a local court granted him conditional bail in the pub attack case in Mangalore, Shri Ram Sena founder Pramod Muthalik was on Saturday re-arrested for allegedly delivering a provocative speech in 2003, his third detention in the last five days.

Armed with a warrant, a team of police from Kodagu district, where he had made the speech, took him into custody.

His fresh arrest was made after the jail authorities completed formalities for his release following the grant of bail in the pub attack case by the Judicial Magistrate First Class-II court.

"I am happy to get bail. Now I am going to Mercara (Madikeri) to attend another case", Muthalik said, apparently aware of his impending arrest in connection with a case filed against him during December 2003, for making a provocative speech at Gonikoppal.

Muthalik was earlier grilled by the Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad in connection with the Malegaon blast case.

The 27 accused in the Mangalore pub attack case were also granted bail by a local court.

The accused, who are members of the right-wing group, include the outfit's state unit chief Prasad Attavar. The court also directed them to furnish a personal bond along with a surety. The accused have also been asked to cooperate with the ongoing investigation process.

Several cases including criminal intimidation, trespassing and causing hurt have been registered against the accused. The accused allegedly attacked a group of women in a Mangalore pub, under the guise of 'protecting Indian culture'.

With additional inputs from PTI