Bangalore-based fashion designer and choreographer Prasad Bidappa, who was arrested at the Dubai International Airport in June for allegedly possessing marijuana, has been released.

Bidappa was released on Wednesday night, hours after his trial proceedings began, on a mercy petition filed by his wife, Indian Embassy officials here said.

He is still in Dubai pending the handing over of his passport, they said.

It is not known whether charges against him have been dropped, they said.

Bidappa was arrested in Dubai on June 12th for possessing marijuana in his baggage. He had arrived in Dubai to attend a fashion meet and also a children's programme.