Chennai: Tamil Nadu Assembly Leader of Opposition and DMK Youth Wing Secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin was detained and taken for questioning by police from his residence in Chennai’s Neelankarai on Tuesday in connection with a case registered over his alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actor Trisha Krishnan.
Police did not immediately disclose where Udhayanidhi was being taken. The action came a day after the Thanjavur Police registered an FIR against him under six sections, including provisions of the Information Technology Act, following a complaint filed by the women’s wing of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
FIR Registered, DMK Moves Madras High Court
Soon after the FIR was registered, the DMK approached the Madras High Court, seeking protection for Udhayanidhi Stalin from arrest.
A police team from Thanjavur, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Alagesan, arrived at Udhayanidhi’s Neelankarai residence and informed him about the case. Chennai Commissioner of Police A. Amalraj also reached the residence as the situation unfolded.
Senior DMK leaders, including K.N. Nehru and Ma. Subramanian, along with members of the party’s legal wing, reached the residence and held discussions with police officials. Udhayanidhi’s legal team reportedly sought time to consult lawyers before deciding on the next legal course of action.
Heavy Security Outside Residence as DMK Workers Gather
As news of the police action spread, a large number of DMK workers gathered outside Udhayanidhi’s residence, raising slogans in his support.
Police deployed heavy security in the area and tightened arrangements to prevent any law-and-order issues as supporters continued to assemble.
How the Controversy Began
The controversy began during a DMK protest in Thanjavur on Monday, where Udhayanidhi criticised the TVK government over the Cauvery water dispute, the proposed Mekedatu reservoir project, and the demand for a waiver of agricultural loans.
During his speech, he questioned the handling of water issues in the Cauvery Delta and criticised the state government. The row escalated after he allegedly made remarks targeting Chief Minister Vijay following slogans raised by the crowd referring to actor Trisha Krishnan.
TVK alleged that the comments were derogatory and objectionable, prompting its women’s wing to lodge a police complaint and organise protests across several districts demanding legal action against the DMK leader.
TVK Seeks Action, Complaint Reaches NCW
Apart from the police complaint, TVK national spokesperson Pazha Selvakumar has approached the National Commission for Women (NCW), alleging that Udhayanidhi’s speech contained defamatory, objectifying and sexually suggestive remarks.
The petition has sought the Commission’s intervention, appropriate legal action and an unconditional public apology from Udhayanidhi Stalin.
The case remains under investigation, while the Madras High Court is expected to hear the DMK’s plea seeking protection from arrest.
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