Bhubaneswar: The SDJM court today allowed the Konark police to take Delhi-based journalist Abhijit Iyer-Mitra on a four-day remand for interrogation into his alleged derogatory remarks against Sun Temple and Odisha culture.

The Konark police had appealed to the court for permission for taking him on a seven-day remand.

Iyer was arrested yesterday by the Commissionerate police in connection with a criminal case filed against him at Saheed Nagar Police Station after he appeared before the House Committee headed by Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra over breach of privilege.

Following his arrest, he was produced before the SDJM court here that sent him to a 14-day judicial custody. He was lodged at the Jharpada Jail.

He has been booked under IPC Sections 294, 295A, 153A, 500, 506 and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.

Notably, two FIRs have been lodged separately against Iyer for abusing Odisha culture on social media.

Yesterday, Iyer-Mitra had appeared before the House panel and tendered an unconditional apology for his derogatory remarks against the Sun Temple and comments on legislators.

The House panel asked him to re-appear on November 2 and submit an affidavit.

Abhijit was questioned about three hours over alleged breach of privilege.

Earlier, he had been summoned to appear before the panel on October 11, which he had skipped. He was summoned again to appear on October 23.

Iyer, who is a friend of former Biju Janata Dal MP Baijayant Panda, drew flak from all quarters of leaders cutting across the party line after he posted a video on social media making derogatory remarks on the Sun Temple and a series of tweets insulting Odisha people and their culture.

Following this, the Assembly Speaker constituted a six-member House committee for probe into his alleged remarks against members of the Assembly.

Iyer made objectionable remarks following his recent visit to Odisha along with his aides including former parliamentarian on the latter’s chopper.