Amit Mishra arrested in Bangalore, released on bail

India legspinner Amit Mishra has been arrested, and subsequently released on bail, in Bangalore in connection with the case of assault filed against him by a woman on October 20. Mishra, who had been asked to report to the police within seven days, was charged with sexual harassment, criminal intimidation and causing injury, among other offences, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

"It is a bailable offence. A chargesheet will be prepared and submitted in the court," Bangalore's Deputy Commissioner of Police, central division, Sandeep Patil, said. He said Mishra, who had been interrogated for two hours, was free to travel outside Bangalore.

Patil had last week said the woman who had pressed charges was known to Mishra and the alleged incident occurred in end-September, when the Indian team was in Bangalore for a training camp ahead of the South Africa tour.

Mishra is part of the India Test squad that will play South Africa in a four-match series beginning on November 7 in Mohali; the squad is due to assemble on November 2.

The BCCI is yet to formally react to the matter but IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said it had "taken note" of it. "We are trying to find out the details of the case," Shukla said in New Delhi. "The moment we get details, we will look into it. We will find out whether (Mishra) is responsible for the crime or not. When we get the exact details, then only will a decision be made."

He also said Mishra would be eligible for selection until the BCCI took a decision. "The question (of eligibility) arises only when BCCI takes a decision," Shukla said.