Detained for 'derogatory-comments' on Konark Temple, defense expert gets bail

Abhijit posted the video on Saturday, September 15, where he spoke about the sculptures.

He said, "This is not a temple but a humple where people are humping. See these sculptures. Women with women, men with animals."

Furthering his satirical attack, he said this was a conspiracy by Muslims against Hindus, and that these obscene sculptures shouldn't be there in 'our Ram Temple'.

Soon voices seeking action against Abhijit gained momentum. In their collective disdain towards him, he also managed to unite Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress.

About the video, BJD MLA Sanjay Dasburma said, "It is an insult to the state and its existence. Action should be taken against the man.'

Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said, "He says the sculpture is contrary to Hindu culture. This is unwarranted and condemnable."

Scores of BJD leaders staged a protest at the well of the House. Soon after his arrest, his lawyer said they have not been given the complaint filed in Odisha.

He said there isn't much clarity about who filed the complaint and what sections were invoked.

"He's being taken to Saket court for remand. We're going there to oppose it," he said.

Netizens expressed their discontent with the arrest and #IStandWithAbhijit soon took over social media.

Political commentator Sunanda Vashisht tweeted: All those screaming fascism day in and day out should check out police state run by Navin Patnaik.

ORF fellow Samir Saran wrote: This is terrible news. @Iyervval has been detained ??? Really !!!! For what ? For satire? Are we a police state?