Noted defence expert Abhijit Iyer-Mitra has been arrested by the Delhi Police, on the directions of relevant authorities in Odisha, for allegedly offending “religious sensibilities” with his satirical video on the Sun Temple.

"Abhijit Iyer has been taken to Nizamuddin police station. He has been told that a case has been registered against him in Odisha," his lawyer has said.

Mitra’s arrest came after legislators of ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and opposition Congress demanded action against him for what they said were “derogatory remarks” on the 13th-century temple in Konark.

According to his family and friends, Mitra is being targeted by the Naveen Patnaik-led government in Odisha as he is a friend of former BJD leader Baijayant Panda. A former member of parliament, Panda had resigned from the party earlier this year after a bitter falling out with Chief Minister Patnaik.

Earlier, BJD and Congress workers had burnt effigies of Panda and Mitra in Bhubaneswar during their protest march against the video.

According to reports, a privilege motion was also moved against Mitra in Odisha Assembly over his alleged comments against the members.

Mitra, a well known columnist, has written for Swarajya. He as also interviewed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Subramanian Swamy for the magazine.

This is a developing story. More details awaited.