Sterlite stir: Lawyer held at Madurai airport

Vanchinathan was on his way back to Madurai via New Delhi and the moment he landed in Chennai at 1 am, the police secured him and took him to Thoothukudi. When news spread, many social activists and organisations condemned the Tamil Nadu government and the police for the arrest, saying that democratic voices were being silenced. Noted social activist Shehla Rashid also condemned the arrest in her tweet. Condemning this action, more than 650 lawyers in Thoothukudi boycotted court on Thursday.

The police, on the other hand, claimed Vanchinathan had instigated the protesters. Earlier, when a case had been filed against him, the lawyer had filed a petition at Madurai Bench of Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

Though the High Court had provided relief to Vanchinathan from arrest, his petition was rejected in the subsequent hearing. He then went to New Delhi in connection to the case of former Vice Chancellor, PP Chelladurai. He was arrested on his way back to Madurai.

Meanwhile, Vanchinathan was produced in JM-III Court in Thoothukudi and is now lodged in Palayamkottai prison.