Chennai: Tamil magazine 'Nakeeran' editor R R Gopal, detained under Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), was today (Dec 20, 2003) released from the central prison in Chennai after over eight months in custody.

Gopal was ordered to be set free on bail by a Division Bench of the Madras High Court yesterday while allowing a habeas corpus petition filed by his brother.

Emerging out of the prison, Gopal said his obtaining the bail was the "first blow" to the "autocratic rule" of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

"This victory is Nakeeran's first step. Let the Government file any number of false cases, we will emerge victorious," he said in brief remarks as he was given a rousing reception by magazine staff and others in front of the prison complex.

The high court had faulted the police with not providing any reasons for his arrest under Indian Penal Code (IPC) and POTA.

Gopal was first arrested in April this year in connection with the murder of a police informant, allegedly by forest brigand Veerappan, and was subsequently charged under POTA for alleged possession of arms.

Though the high court had earlier granted bail to him, it was stayed by the Supreme Court on an appeal by the State Government.

PTI