Chennai , 22 July (H.S.):

A court in Thoothukudi on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of DMK MLA G.V. Markandeyan, who was arrested for allegedly making defamatory and provocative remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public meeting in Kovilpatti.

With the dismissal of his bail application, the Vilathikulam MLA will continue to remain in judicial custody at the Palayamkottai Central Prison while the investigation progresses.

The case was registered by the Thoothukudi District Crime Branch following a complaint that Markandeyan made objectionable remarks about the Chief Minister during a political meeting. Police alleged that the speech contained defamatory statements and remarks capable of disturbing public order, leading to the registration of a criminal case.

Markandeyan was arrested on Tuesday morning and taken to the District Police Office, where investigators questioned him for nearly 11 hours. According to police, the interrogation focused on the contents of his speech, the circumstances surrounding the meeting and other aspects relevant to the investigation.

He was later produced before Judicial Magistrate Court No. I in Thoothukudi. During the remand proceedings, the police sought custody of the MLA, contending that further interrogation was necessary to advance the probe. However, Judicial Magistrate Sumathi declined the request and instead ordered that Markandeyan be remanded to 15 days of judicial custody until August 3.

Following the remand order, the MLA was lodged in the Palayamkottai Central Prison under police security.

Markandeyan subsequently approached the Thoothukudi court seeking bail. During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the investigation was at a crucial stage and that granting bail could hamper the ongoing probe. The defence, meanwhile, maintained that the legislator was willing to cooperate with investigators and should be released on bail.

After considering the submissions of both sides, Judicial Magistrate Sumathi dismissed the bail plea, ensuring that Markandeyan will remain in judicial custody as the District Crime Branch continues its investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman