The State Cabinet, on Thursday, decided to withdraw a criminal case filed against a journalist of a private regional television channel in connection with an attack on young revellers by right-wing activists at a homestay in Mangalore.

Briefing reporters about the cabinet decision, Law Minister S Suresh Kumar said the criminal charges against Naveen Soorinje will be dropped. He was under judicial custody ever since his arrest in November, 2012. “The cabinet has decided to drop all charges against Soorinje following a demand by the journalistic community in this regard,” he stated.

Members of Hindu Jagarana Vedike had raided a homestay in Mangalore and attacked boys and girls who were celebrating the birthday of one of their friends. The journalist had covered the incident. But he was later booked on the same charges as the rest of the accused in the homestay attack.

According to sources, many ministers at the meeting were of the view that cases against all the accused be dropped and that they opposed letting off only the journalist. The chief minister is learnt to have assured to take an appropriate step after getting a proposal in this regard.