Kerala Janapaksham (Secular) leader PC George, who was taken into custody by the police on Sunday morning for his remarks against the Muslim community, got bail from a magistrate court in the afternoon, PTI reported.

On April 29, George had asked residents to avoid restaurants run by Muslims alleging that they serve tea laced with drops that cause impotence. This was done to turn non-Muslims infertile so that Muslims could “seize control” of the country, he added.

The former Kerala MLA had made the claims while addressing the Ananthapuri Hindu Mahasammelan, an event held under the aegis of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Thiruvananthapuram, The Indian Express reported.

During the event, George said that Muslims were running businesses in non-Muslim areas to pocket money from members of other communities. He had also urged Hindu and Christian women to give birth to more babies.

“Hindu and Christian women were reluctant to give birth to more babies,” George added. “Muslim women are doing that very sincerely. I should congratulate them. They are moving towards the aim of seizing this ‘Hindu Rashtra’. Both Hindu and Christian women should beget at least four babies.’’

On April 30, the Kerala Police filed a case against the 70-year-old saying that his speech promoted religious hatred. On Sunday morning, he was arrested and taken to Thiruvananthapuram AR Camp.

George said that his arrest was Ramzan gift from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to radical Muslim outfits, PTI reported.

After he was granted bail, the magistrate directed him to not interfere with the investigation, not to tamper with evidence or witnesses, refrain from making hate speech or get involved in controversies, PTI reported.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Congress called for stern action against George for his communal remarks, The Indian Express reported.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) asked George to retract his comments and apologise. Congress leader VD Satheesan said that the first information report could have been lodged earlier instead of waiting for a day, PTI reported.

Meanwhile, several Democratic Youth Federation of India activists waved black flags at George outside the Armed Reserve police camp, PTI reported.

Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, who wanted to meet George at the Thiruvananthapuram AR camp, was denied permission to enter the premises. Muraleedharan alleged that the Kerala government would arrest anyone in minutes if a complaint is made by the Muslim Youth League, the youth outfit of the Indian Union Muslim League, PTI reported.

Since George was neither a terrorist nor a criminal, but a well-known politician, why was there such haste in arresting him, Muraleedharan asked.