Case filed against H Raja for remarks against police, Madras HC

The BJP leader indulged in a heated verbal duel with the police ahead of Vinayakar idol immersion at Meiyapuram village under Tirumayam police limits on Saturday, after he was asked to take a different route. Raja was not given permission by the police for taking a specific route due to the communally sensitive nature of the village there, but he insisted on going through and erecting a stage to address the cadre. 

Enraged over this, Raja accused the police of being highly corrupt and made certain comments against the Madras HC for issuing guidelines on the procession.  “The day when Director General of Police house was raided by the CBI on Gutkha issue, you (police) should have all taken off your uniforms and gone to your houses.  Are you not ashamed? He asked the cops. He also objected to the Court’s guidelines on Vinayakar idol immersions.  “Why is there a ban on putting up a stage to address cadre? You are against Hindus. I will court arrest,” he said.

The video of Raja engaging in a heated argument with the police went viral on social media, following which leaders of various Opposition parties condemned the BJP leader.

However, Raja denied having abused the police and said a video clip shared widely on the social media was a doctored one. 

Thirumayam police in Pudukkottai district registered a case under Sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 294 (sings, recites or utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging his duty), 505 (1) (b) (c) (statements conducing to public mischief), 506 (1) (punishment for criminal intimidation) and 290 (punishment for public nuisance) of the IPC. 

Earlier, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar told the media in Chennai that the HC should take suo moto action against the BJP leader. “Raja has spoken in a derogatory manner against the police and the court. We will consult with lawyers and based on their opinion decide the next course of action,” he said.