Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was taken into police custody from his Chennai residence following an FIR over his controversial protest speech. His lawyers moved the Madras High Court for anticipatory bail as the case triggered fresh tension between the DMK and the ruling TVK.
Udhayanidhi Stalin Taken Into Police Custody
DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was taken into police custody from his Neelankarai residence in Chennai on Tuesday morning. The action followed an FIR over remarks he allegedly made while addressing a Cauvery water protest in Thanjavur on Monday.
A police team led by Joint Commissioner P Vijayakumar escorted Udhayanidhi from his home in a police vehicle for questioning. Some news reports described the action as an arrest, while others reported it as a detention. Until the police formally clarify his arrest status and remand procedure, “taken into custody” or “detained” is the more cautious description.
Udhayanidhi Stalin Faces FIR Over Protest Speech
The controversy began when people attending the DMK rally reportedly shouted actor Trisha’s name while Udhayanidhi was criticising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. His response was interpreted by political opponents as a double-meaning remark involving the actor.
Following a complaint from the women’s wing of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Thanjavur Police registered a case against the former deputy chief minister. Reports said the FIR included provisions relating to promoting enmity, electronic publication and the Tamil Nadu law prohibiting harassment of women. The allegations remain unproven and will be examined through the legal process.
Udhayanidhi Stalin Denies Wrongdoing
Speaking to reporters after being taken into custody, Udhayanidhi rejected the allegations and described the case as politically motivated. He maintained that he had not directly named Trisha and said he was prepared to face the proceedings legally.
The DMK defended its leader, alleging that his speech had been selectively interpreted to divert attention from the Cauvery water dispute and the difficulties faced by delta farmers. The TVK, meanwhile, accused him of lowering political discourse and also approached the National Commission for Women over the remarks.
Udhayanidhi Stalin Moves Madras High Court
Before the police action, Udhayanidhi’s legal team moved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan agreed to consider the urgent petition during the afternoon session, according to reports available shortly before noon.
The court had reportedly asked the police not to precipitate the matter until the petition was heard. However, Udhayanidhi was subsequently taken from his residence for questioning. The outcome of the bail petition and his formal custody status were still awaited at the time of this update.
The development has intensified the confrontation between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK. Protests involving DMK workers were reported in parts of Tamil Nadu following the police action, while additional security was deployed amid concerns over further demonstrations.
