Wed Dec 04 11:46:45 UTC 2024: ## Madras High Court Grants Bail to IMK Youth Leader Accused of Threatening Journalist

**Chennai, December 4, 2024** – The Madras High Court granted bail on Wednesday to A.S. Omkar Balaji, son of Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK) leader K. Arjun Sampath, who was arrested for allegedly threatening journalist Nakkheeran R. Gopal. Balaji, also the youth wing leader of the IMK, had been in custody since November 14th.

The charges stem from a protest meeting held by the IMK in Coimbatore on October 27th to condemn those opposing Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation. According to the prosecution, Balaji, who participated in the protest, threatened Gopal, stating he would be “dragged to the streets like a dog” and that his tongue would be cut off. The complaint was filed by A. Abdul Jaleel, an autorickshaw dealer and DMK member, who overheard the speech.

Balaji’s counsel argued that the threat was merely a figure of speech, and the court, considering his time in custody, granted bail on the condition that he appears daily before the Coimbatore City police investigating officer. The case continues.

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