Udhayanidhi booked over remarks on Vijay, Trisha; taken for questioning, DMK moves Madras HC

CHENNAI: Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was taken for questioning by the police from his Neelankarai residence on Tuesday (August 4) in connection with a case registered against him over his purportedly derogatory remarks against actor Trisha while attacking Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. His destination was not immediately disclosed.

Earlier in the day, the Thanjavur police registered a case against the DMK Youth Wing Secretary under six Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections, along with provisions of the women’s harassment law and IT Act, over the controversial remarks he made during a public meeting in Thanjavur yesterday, according to a Daily Thanthi report. Soon after, the DMK moved the Madras High Court seeking protection from his arrest.

A police team from Thanjavur, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Alagesan, had arrived at Udhayanidhi's residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, to brief him about the case.

As news of the police visit spread, DMK workers gathered outside the Chepauk MLA's residence and raised slogans against the ruling government, prompting heavy police deployment and heightened security. Senior DMK leaders K N Nehru, Ma Subramanian, members of the party's legal wing and Udhayanidhi's brother-in-law V Sabareesan also reached the spot.

After Greater Chennai Police (GCP) Commissioner A Amalraj arrived, the protesters were dispersed. Udhayanidhi was then briefed on the case and taken from his residence in a police vehicle.

What led to the case against Udhayanidhi?

The case stems from a DMK protest held outside the Panagal Building in Thanjavur on Monday (August 3), where Udhayanidhi criticised Chief Minister Vijay and TVK government over Cauvery water rights, the proposed Mekedatu dam, and the waiver of farm loans.

He later made purportedly derogatory comments about actor Trisha after the crowd chanted her name, drawing widespread flak.

Who filed the complaint against Udhayanidhi?

A police complaint was lodged at the Thanjavur East Police Station by S Bairavi, the TVK's Central District Women's Wing Organiser for Thanjavur, following which the police registered a case against Udhayanidhi under six BNS sections, along with provisions of the women’s harassment law and IT Act.

The TVK women's wing is also reportedly organising protests across several districts, including Erode, on Tuesday condemning Udhayanidhi's remarks and demanding appropriate legal action against him.

What action has TVK taken against Udhayanidhi?

TVK national spokesperson Pazha Selvakumar has also submitted a petition to the National Commission for Women (NCW), alleging that Udhayanidhi made defamatory, objectifying and sexually suggestive remarks against Chief Minister Vijay and a woman actor.

The petition urged the Commission to take cognisance of the speech, direct the police to initiate legal action, and seek an explanation and an unconditional public apology from Udhayanidhi.

(With inputs from Bureau)