Chennai , 04 August (H.S.):

Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition and DMK Youth Wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested on Tuesday (August 4) in connection with allegedly misogynist and indecent remarks made during a public meeting in Thanjavur a day earlier.

The arrest followed a complaint lodged by a functionary of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), accusing Udhayanidhi of making objectionable remarks containing double entendres that were allegedly directed at an actor.

Acting on the complaint, the Thanjavur East Police registered a case against the DMK leader under Sections 196, 192, 352, 79, 296(b), 61 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He was also booked under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.

Tension prevailed outside Udhayanidhi’s residence at Neelangarai in Chennai after a police team from Thanjavur East arrived on Tuesday morning to take him into custody. The team was assisted by personnel from the Greater Chennai Police.

As news of the police action spread, a large number of DMK workers gathered outside the residence and protested against the move. Heated exchanges broke out between party cadres and police personnel as the situation remained tense.

Senior DMK leader Ma. Subramanian and Udhayanidhi’s wife, Krithika Udhayanidhi, were also seen arguing with police officers during the operation.

Meanwhile, Udhayanidhi’s legal team moved the Madras High Court challenging the police action and seeking legal relief. The petition is scheduled to come up for hearing later on Tuesday afternoon.

Following his arrest, police are expected to take Udhayanidhi to Thanjavur in connection with the investigation. The arrest has heightened political tensions, with DMK workers protesting against the police action.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman