Delhi-based journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra, who was arrested after making derogatory remarks against the Konark Sun Temple and Odia culture, has apologised for his act and said that as being summoned he would appear before the State House Committee on October 23.

Speaking to a news agency, Mitra said, “I have realised that it’s probably best that when on a public platform, you keep quiet and be more reflective and mature about what you say. I’ll be standing in front of Odisha Assembly on October 23.”

He also “unreservedly” apologised for his “nasty” comments against Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the CM’s office and members of the Odisha Assembly saying that he was under “immense stress” at that time.

“I’ve always held Odisha in high regard. One of the reasons I visited was to look at (the State’s) history and contributions to Indian culture. If you read my research writing, a lot of it is always praising Odisha. My Twitter account is more for fun, not professional,” Mitra added. The Assembly Speaker had on September 28 constituted a House Committee to probe the derogatory remarks by Mitra against Odisha, its culture and the MLAs.

The committee headed by Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra had issued notice to Mitra to appear before the panel on October 11 for breach of privilege of the MLAs. He failed to appear, following which another notice was sent to him for appearance before the committee on October 23.

Two FIRs have been registered against Mitra at the Konark and Saheed Nagar police stations under different Sections of the IPC. He was arrested on September 20 by the Odisha police in Delhi. Later, he was granted bail till October 5 by a Delhi court, which directed him to cooperate in the probe.

The Supreme Court on October 4 had, however, refused to grant him bail.