Bhubaneswar,October 23: Hours after appearing before the House Committee of the Odisha Assembly, Delhi-based journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra was arrested by Commissionerate Police today.

According to sources, Abhijit was arrested in connection with a case registered against him at Sahid Nagar Police Station over his derogatory remarks on Odisha and Konark Sun Temple.

Earlier, a team of Commissionerate Police interrogated Iyer at an undisclosed location for several hours before arresting him. Senior officials of Arakhakuda Police Station, where another case has been lodged against the scribe, were also present to question Iyer.

Earlier, the House Committee of Odisha Assembly chaired by Narasingha Mishra sought an affidavit from Iyer and has asked him to submit the same on November 2.

“Iyer-Mitra has been directed to appear before the House Committee with his affidavit on November 2. The investigation will continue and after he files his affidavit, discussions will be held on all aspects and final decision will be taken,” Mishra said.

During the first phase of the House Committee hearing, Abhijit Iyer apologised and his statement was also recorded by the panel.

It is pertinent to mention here that Iyer was earlier arrested in New Delhi and produced before the Saket Court where he was granted bail.

Iyer was arrested in Delhi by a two-member team of Odisha Police on September 20 on the charges of hurting religious sentiments.