Parties slam state govt for "sedition charge" against activist Thirumurugan Gandhi

Speaking to reporters, Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader T Velmurugan said, "Sedition charges have been slapped against Gandhi and a look out notice was issued across the country... all that he did was to raise the Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) firing incident at the United Nations Human Rights Council."

On August 9, pro-Tamil activist Thirumurugan Gandhi was arrested at the international airport in Bengaluru based on a lookout circular issued against him by Tamil Nadu police.

He was arrested on his arrival from Geneva, where he attended a United Nations Human Rights Council meeting recently and raised the issue of Anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin district and subsequent police firing that left 13 dead, a release from May 17 movement said.

Leaders from Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, among others, took part in the media interaction.

The parties also expressed similar views.

According to May 17 Movement, of which Gandhi is a coordinator, the activist is lodged in Vellore jail.