Chennai: In a fresh stroke, DMK MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan was arrested by the Tamil Nadu Police on Friday after the Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a case related to his controversial remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK president Vijay.

The case stems from a speech delivered by Radhakrishnan during a public meeting held in Athur near Tiruchendur on June 20 to mark the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

Police alleged that the MLA made objectionable and provocative comments targeting CM Vijay, following which a case was registered against him. Soon after the High Court denied him anticipatory bail, police took him into custody.

Remarks During Public Meeting Sparked Controversy

During his speech, Radhakrishnan reportedly mocked Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics and made personal remarks about his appearance and conduct.

Referring to a recent exchange in the Tamil Nadu Assembly between DMK MLA S. Austin and Chief Minister Vijay during a discussion on law and order, Radhakrishnan claimed that Vijay appeared uncomfortable and said, “Brother Austin pointed his finger at the Chief Minister and asked him, ‘Won’t you open your mouth and speak?’ He looked trapped. It was as if he was thinking, ‘How did I end up here? I was happier at home with an actress, and now I’m stuck here.'”

He further compared the Chief Minister’s behaviour in the Assembly to that of a customer entering a shop.

“As a businessman, I can tell whether someone enters a shop to buy something or to borrow money. In the same way, I could sense how uncomfortable he looked in the Assembly,” he said.

Madras High Court Rejects Bail Plea

While rejecting Radhakrishnan’s anticipatory bail petition, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan observed that a sitting MLA should maintain dignity in public speeches.

The judge also pointed out that Tamil Nadu has elected several leaders from the film industry since 1967 and questioned the need for such remarks.

“In Tamil Nadu, people from the film industry have been elected since 1967. Then why make such statements? You are not a common man; you are a member of the Legislative Assembly,” the court orally observed while dismissing the bail plea.

DMK Condemns Arrest

Reacting to the arrest, DMK MP Kanimozhi strongly criticised the state government, accusing it of targeting opposition leaders through misuse of power.

In a post on X, she alleged that Radhakrishnan was arrested while inspecting development works in his constituency and described the action as “completely undemocratic.” She further said that the DMK would not bow to what she termed as “oppressive tactics” of the government.